George Epstein

You may recall I once told you about that eminent senior citizen, Arizona Stu, who is a super poker player-as well as a winner in the game of life. It seems there is a new variety of hold'em at an Indian casino near his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's $5-$150 hold'em. The small blind is $3 and big blind is $5. "You can bet up to $150 at any time," he explained. That's a spread limit game. The buy-in is $350.

Rarely do we speak of poker and world politics in the same breath. They seem so far removed from one another. But there is a strong connection. I'll explain. . .

With all the terrible things going on in our world, it's wonderful when a person can make a positive impact on the life of fellow human beings. Here's a story that will make you smile. . .

Those of you who have read my first book, The Greatest Book of Poker for WINNERS!, know that it is unique in several ways. For one thing, a full chapter is devoted to why poker is an ideal recreational activity for senior citizens. Basically the chapter explains how and why playing poker can help us (I recently turned 80) to live longer, healthier, and concomitantly happier lives.

Playing hold'em, do you have a favorite hand - two hole cards that give you that warm feeling as you peek at the corners? Personally, I have several favorites. Best of all are pocket aces; after all, that's the best hand possible preflop.

I also like ace-queen suited. I've named that combination a "Caitlin" in honor of my beautiful, bright and charismatic 19-year-old grandniece from Boston.

There's More Than One Way to Skin a Cat

Have you ever heard that expression? I don't know why anyone would ever want to skin a cat, but it is true that there often is more than one way to accomplish an objective. On Friday, October 13 (are you superstitious?), President Bush signed into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement (UIGE) Act, effectively banning online poker in the U.S.A.

This column is different than my usual ones; but the recent Congressional legislation against online poker got me thinking. . .

You called the blind from an early position with A-Q unsuited. The flop came down:

Your aces look great. Top pair and a big kicker! You bet out and are called by three opponents.

You have a tough decision to make; you stop and think. Contemplate the situation; then decide your course of action. That takes time. In the game of poker, it is no different.

Yes, that's what I said: You are NOT gambling when you play WINNING! poker.

Let me explain. . . What is GAMBLING? Recently I conducted a survey of the meaning of the word, "gambling." What does it mean? I queried members of my poker classes and the Poker Lab at the Claude Pepper Sr. Citizens Center, and a number of others whom I deem expert in the game of poker, including Arizona Stu and Stan Sludikoff, the editor/ publisher of Poker Player and a consultant on gaming for an encyclopedia. They offered various definitions; best of all was Stan's: "Gambling is wagering at unfavorable odds."

If online poker is prohibited, so should "investing" in the stock market. . .

In the U.S., we elect our Senators and Representatives to enact legislation that is in the best interests of the citizens.

When the Senate sneaked in the "Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006," who were they representing?