The Education of a Poker Player (High Stakes Classic)

Author: Herbert O. Yardley
Publisher: High Stakes
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22 THE EDUCATION OF A POKER PLAYER

There was another vacant chair so I got up from Monty's side and took the other seat. It caused no comment, for players are always changing places at the least opportunity, especially when losing. I knew Monty was going to pick on the drummer and I wanted to be in a strategic position to win when he did.

Round after round passed before my opportunity came. I was sitting to Monty's left, the sucker to be fleeced to his right. "Let's play draw," said Monty and took out the joker and dealt.

I passed. The next four players passed, making five in all. The drummer, the sixth player, opened with a $5 bet. Monty came out roaring with a $15 raise. I called. Monty showed no signs of annoy ance though I knew he hadn't planned for more than one player to draw against him. The drummer called, which was according to Monty's plan.

I drew one card. "Flushing, kid?" Monty said pleasantly.

I didn't answer. I never talked while playing poker except to announce my bet and the showdown. I was afraid that my voice would crack; in this case, I was sure it would if I opened my mouth.

The drummer took three cards.

Monty said, "I play these," meaning he was standing pat.

The drummer, after a peek at his cards, checked.

Without a moment's hesitation Monty bet $50-but not as boldly, I thought, as before. It was obvious to him that I had backed in the pot and was drawing to a straight or a flush. He was certainly taking me for a sucker. I had learned early never to risk money drawing one card to a straight or a flush unless there was in the pot at least five times the amount of the bet.

When Monty bet $50 I raised him $100. I didn't have a thing but I was playing it safe, I thought, with Monty betting right-handed. I felt sure he was standing pat on a bust. I wasn't concerned too much about the drummer who had checked. Even if he had helped his hand, he would hesitate to call, with me taking one card and raising.

The drummer showed his openers of two kings and folded.

Monty shook his head sadly. "You lucky little bastard," he said,