That Ain't No Lady

Adriana writes from Key West, FL., 'I really have enjoyed your articles about poker cruises and playing poker in Florida. My boy friend is teaching me how to play poker and I am really starting to enjoy the game. I get nervous when I'm at a table on the Seminole Indian reservation or one of those cruise ships. How can I get over this nervousness and do you think a woman will ever win the World Series of Poker?'

Key West happens to be one of my favorite places to relax and I commend Adriana for having the good sense to live there. She shares a problem that a lot of beginning poker players have -- a feeling of intimidation when she sits down at a table with professional players.

Well, I have news for Adriana. Most of those players don't come close to being a professional. They are average people who have day jobs - at least most of them. Poker is a passion, a hobby, a money maker or just a curiosity for most of the players she will face.

Poker players are actors. They wear masks and practice moves designed to intimidate or make other players think they have the 'nuts' when they are on a bluff or a draw. In short, Adriana, stop being nervous. The other players aren't that bad.

You have a couple of advantages going for you when you sit down at a table. First, you're a female. A majority of male players don't think females play that well. They'll probably give you more action and less respect than they would a male player. You can use this to your advantage -- if you're smart.

Mike Caro, a poker player and probability expert, has written a book called 'Poker For Women.' He co-authored it with his wife, Phyllis, who is a world class player and former dealer. You should be able to pick up a good used copy of Mike's book on the Internet for a small cost, plus shipping.

Phyllis strongly urges a woman to use her femininity and all her wiles to take advantage of the males at her table. Why not? There's a saying that all is fair in love and war. I would add poker to that list. Since all the other players are wearing masks, Adriana can wear one, too. Pretend to be a total novice. Fumble your cards and chips. Ask the men sitting nearest you questions to show what a novice you are. Even though you may be the CEO of a bank or run your own business, pretend to be totally helpless at poker. That will give you an edge that is unavailable to most men.

If you have any questions while you are playing, don't hesitate to ask the dealer or a floor person. They are there to help you. If for any reason you are uncomfortable at your table, ask for a table change.

Adriana posed two questions to me. Her second one had to do with whether I felt a female would win the World Series of Poker.

I have played against a lot of women in cash games as well as tournaments. There are some top female players out there. They are cool under pressure, they play well, and they can snap up your chips so fast you won't even feel the pain until you realize you've been sent to the rail.

Despite the feminine talent out there, I don't think a woman will win the WSOP. At least not in the immediate future.

First, look at demographics. There are a lot more men who play poker in casinos and card rooms than women. Men seem to play harder with more purpose than women, although I could be wrong. Many of the women I have played against seem to be there more for social purposes than to win money.

With that said, I believe a new breed of female poker player is coming along. Poker is a game that takes years to learn. Even when you think you're good, you have plenty of room to learn something new.

I don't know how old Adriana is -- a woman's age is something I never ask -- but if she is young and applies herself toward learning the game, she may prove me wrong. I hope she does. Let the games begin.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).