The Age-Old Struggle

Glen hosted a great 2 table tourney last night in Broder's Annex. Ann & I chose this game over Ladies Night at the Casino. Linden was, as usual, loud enough to wake the dead...he hasn't been at the last couple of games, & I have to admit that something seemed a little off in his absence. Out of the 15 or so players, there were a number I hadn't met before, so it was definitely a learning experience. Ann, Kelly, Glen, & I were at one table, while Linden & Patrick were at the other...it was like Christmas dinner at the kid's table for a time. At one point, there was talk that Linden had more chips than our entire table combined. While shouts (and groans) of "all in" and "re-buy" resounded only a few feet away, we kept plugging along...not that we didn't keep things rolling on our end...Brain was also at our table! It was stable vs volatile....the tortoise & the hare...David & Goliath. There was some great poker, & some bingo. The tables combined around midnight. Unfortunately, I was the one who took Ann out, & soon we were down to 3...Linden, Harvey, (whose name I remember because it was tattooed on his arm) & I. After a few chip swings, we cut a deal to play a 'quick' freeze out. I believe Linden finished first in the second game, but much as I like to be all in by eight, I like to be in bed by three, so I headed home. I started a rumor of a Wednesday game, so we'll see how it pans out...please call to RSVP. Cheers! Up the Ante, jj.

Would You Like Fries With That?

Last night's play consisted of two tournaments at Brad & Brett's place in Walsh Acres. The Brother's Grimm, Fraser, Todd, Hartland, Patrick, Brian, & the new guy were in attendance, & Blaze, the sweet little pooch, was licking everyone she could get her mitts on, & puking on the carpet. I busted out of the first tournament, & headed off to meet some buddies at a steak night. I missed the chow, & decided to return from my 'cooler' for game two. I was starving, so I thought I'd pick up something nasty from McDonald's on the way. As I pulled up to the drive-thru, I considered walking back into the game, a sack of grease-filled goodies under my arm, & knew I could have a potentially dangerous situation on my hands...6 nuggets divided by 8 hungry (and ornery) individuals was just not going to cut it. I decided to make the inevitable call so they could place their orders; let me tell 'ya, Santa's list had nothing on mine. The poor kid at the window looked like he was contemplating early retirement as I placed the substantial order. After what seemed like an eternity, I managed to lug the greasy sacks of 'food' back to the house (I believe we have Fraser to thank, in part, for the delay...who the hell orders McDonald's fries with no salt?) & after a quick snack break, it was business as usual. I sucked out, time & time again. I hit an impossible runner-runner, pulling 2 of the 3 remaining cards in the deck to give me the win. It was a sight to behold (or forget as soon as humanly possible, depending on who you ask.) The night ended around 3am, with Brad, Patrick, & I in the final 3. I don't remember this particular scenario ever occurring before...it was more than interesting. We were all pretty tired, & Patrick was first to be knocked out (not for lack of trying on my part...I must have been all in at least 5 times!) I took 2nd with a pair of Kings, due to my middling kicker (and just plain poor judgment,) losing to Brad's Kings with the Ace. A good, greasy, time was by all. I believe we may have a ladies tournament tonight, so please RSVP before 7! I think us gals will be a tad more discerning regarding sustenance, but other than that, we could do worse than to have a night just like last one! Up the Ante, jj.

Deviled Eggs & Crazy Legs

I turned up at Brain's for a wicked BBQ, deviled eggs, potato & pasta salads in tow. Tacky as they are, deviled eggs are the first item to disappear from the table at any social gathering. They cooked up some mean steaks, & we had a sinfully delicious meal; then it was off to Glenn's for an interesting mix of Hair Stylist/Realtor/Steel Worker poker. Everyone was half in the bag before arriving, so it was not the demonstration of skill and dexterity we're accustomed to (I was definitely a front runner for biggest jack ass!) I busted out of both games with alarming alacrity! We should be ready for the first poolside game by the weekend! Hope to see you there! Don't forget to bring the deviled eggs! Up the Ante, jj.

Oh Yes, It's Ladies Night...

Well, last night's game started late...again...'7pm sharp' means 'drop by whenever you feel like it' apparently...Brain & I tipped back a cool one at around 1pm. We started planning the evening's festivities, including a BBQ slated for 5pm. After a couple drinks, cooking outdoors seemed like a pretty big hassle...in fact, cooking in general was not an appealing idea...we decided to hit the liquor store & a drive-thru, & save ourselves the hassle. I slammed my cell in the door of my vehicle in the liquor store parking lot, wrecking both the door & the phone in the process. We picked up goodies for a midnight buffet, then crept back to my place as I attempted to hold the driver's side door on...it was a disaster, but a ton of fun. Brain, Linden, Lee, Jen, Ann, Todd, Brett, & myself had a tourney with the ladies finishing in the top 3 (me 1st, Jen, the newbie, 2nd, & An 3rd)...that was a first in our game! Last year sometime we had 4 ladies at the table, but I'm usually the only gal...it was something to behold, let me tell you! The following freeze-out saw Jen finishing 1st & Linden 2nd. The fellas are still scratching their heads (among other things!) We had a good laugh over Jen's husbands' prior warnings about the dire consequences of playing at a table with men! We ladies went for a couple drinks afterwards, as it was Ann's birthday....it was a great night, all told...now we're just waiting for some nice weather for a poolside game! See you this weekend! Up the Ante, jj.

What Beats a Full House?

Why, a mixed tape, of course! All of us up here in Canada are pretty sore that Pandora is no longer available. There are a lot of American things we don't give a crap about (Bush tops my list) but can't you share the tunes? Music is always an issue at my games...I'm tryin' to focus on cards, & everyone's whining about the Nana Mouskouri Christmas tune that somehow made it onto my computer. Some of my guests want to hear old country, most prefer 70s classic rock, & I'd like a little Drop Kick Murphy's...once again, the solution is only a few clicks away. I really like Finetune these days....I added a few of my lists here, in case you're interested in my outstanding taste in music, or just too damned lazy to create your own. Up the Ante, jj.

www.finetune.com/playlist/2182593

www.finetune.com/playlist/2182762

www.finetune.com/playlist/2182782

www.finetune.com/playlist/2182587

Back in the Saddle

Poker has resumed in my world. After the death of my 2 beloved dogs, I was out of the loop for a while. I also forgot my blogger password, genius that I am. Here we go again...There will be a tournament at my place tonight...Usual game, starting at 8pm...please call to RSVP. I did take in some of the Classic 2 weeks ago...I watched a lot of good play, & entered 2 satellites....no dice. 2 bad beats later, I was at the cash tables...took one bad hit, then recouped...decided to get while the gettin' was good. We had an interesting game in the garage at my place a while back...it went late, & there was a lot of monkey business. We are still waiting for 'Steve 9-4' to join us one of these nights. I've taken a few firsts in other games recently, but not much to say about my regular game...won once, chopped once, one 4th (yeah, I know...4th is for suckers.) Thinking seriously about a move at the end of the summer...looking at places in Texas, Austin area in particular. Should I make a move, I will expect you all for an annual tournament...mid-winter perhaps, so you can take a break from the nasty weather. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Paulie, if you are reading this, leave me a note...I haven't got to the States for quite some time, & I lost your number!
Up the Ante, jj.

In Memory of Marty & Porkchop

Well, the old gals finally went off to play poker in the sky with the infamous dogs on the velvet tapestries. Marty was 11, & Porkchop 13, so they had a good run. We will miss your shenanigans. You never tired of regaling us with your tricks when we had a run of bad cards...your crotch-sniffing, face-licking, pillow humping antics never ceased to entertain! You will never be forgotten. Always, jj.