The Education of a Poker Player (High Stakes Classic)

Author: Herbert O. Yardley
Publisher: High Stakes
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FIVE-CARD DRAW, JACKS OR BETTER 25

others were bare except for autographed pictures of Teddy Roosevelt, Jim Corbett and Diamond Jim Brady. He did not offer to tell me how he came into possession of them and I did not ask.

He fixed drinks from a private stock and bade me sit down.

"Kid," Monty said, "that was a smart call you made last night and even a smarter raise. Now I'm not dumb enough to believe you engineered those two plays just on your own judgment. I know I did something that tipped my hand. I don't ask what it was but I'll think twice before betting you again."

I was now at ease. I said, "I told you you wiggled your ears."

"That's good enough for me. How would you like to work for me? Loggy Flick, one of my housemen, is quitting. He's cost me too much money. He plays a poor game of poker and I think he steals from me. When he's running the game he cuts every pot fifty cents, which runs into about ten dollars an hour. He can easily steal two dollars an hour from me without my knowing it. After school and up to bedtime when I'm not playing I'd want you to cut the pots. You can play at the same time you cut."

Monty paused, and when I said nothing, continued. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll back you up to two hundred dollars and you give me one half of what you win. I'll stand the losses if any. You keep one half of the cut. Is that fair?"

"More than fair," I said. "But I couldn't let you back me unless I knew more about the game. I'll cut the pot for twenty-five per cent of the cut and will back myself if you will give me lessons in play. When you think I am good enough to risk your money I'll accept your offer."

"It's a deal, kid," he said, shaking hands.

"Monty, I want to tell you how I knew you were bluffing," I said.

"That's your secret, kid."

"No, I want to tell you. After all, if I'm an apt student we will be partners." I paused to frame my words. "Monty, you are left-handed and ordinarily hold your cards in your right hand and bet with your