The Education of a Poker Player (High Stakes Classic)

Author: Herbert O. Yardley
Publisher: High Stakes
Buy this book at Amazon

<< Previous Page   Next Page >>

30 THE EDUCATION OF A POKER PLAYER

pleton described by Dupin. For example, their quarterback lines^- up his team and, while giving signals, glances to the right as if looking over the defense. Next he turns his head and looks over the left de fense. Then a split second later he turns his head to the right." Monty paused. "Where is the ball going?" he asked suddenly.

"It's going to the left if his last glance was to the right-that is, if his cunning is just once removed from the simpleton," I said.

"Exactly. And I flash the signal to our captain in time for the de fense to meet the threat either to the left or to the right."

"You mean Linton's quarterback always looks in the wrong direc tion?"

"Yes. His intelligence is so low that he would not dare to look in the direction of the ball for fear our team would catch on. But there are times when he doesn't have time to go through this ritual-times when he wishes a quick play. In these cases he gives himself away by drawing back one foot or the other to get in a better position to handle the ball. If the ball is going to the right he draws his right foot back slightly, and if to the left his left foot."

"You didn't by any chance bet on this game, did you?"

Monty grinned. "I got three to one and we beat them by two touch downs."

"Anyone else in on this?"

"Only our captain and me. The rest of the team thinks our captain is lucky in his guesses and will follow him blindly." Monty hesitated a moment. "But I'll let you in on another secret next spring during baseball season. You should win some money."

"More odd or even?" I asked.

"Yes. Linton's catcher is named Stevens and their best pitcher is called Grim. Grim usually pitches against us, as we have a fair team. I sit behind the screen directly back of the plate. Grim is a fine pitcher and has a long repertoire of pitches: slow ball, change oi pace, spit ball, fast ball, knuckler. The change of pace or change-up is his best pitch.

"But let me test your acumen. Let's say the catcher calls for the