The response to my metaphors-in-poker column (Poker Player Newspaper, June 9) was overwhelming. There were several outstanding contributions from readers for unique poker-related metaphors. One person confused metaphors with similes; many people do that. Even so, the contribution from Nick G. who plays at the Lucky Chances Casino in Colma, Calif., is noteworthy:
"As tight as a NASA launch schedule." Having spent most of my engineering career working on space programs and often interacting with NASA, I appreciate his simile. "Standing down" on a space launch is a costly decision-millions of dollars each day while staff and facilities are held in readiness. But the cost of failure is much greater, especially when human life (the astronauts) is involved. So being "tight" in poker, while making the pre-flop decision whether or not to invest in your hand, likewise makes good sense. Don't take the risk when there is too much doubt and much at stake.
Allison "Wonderland" Johnson is a fascinating lady who plays in the San Diego area. Allison enjoys $8-$16 with a kill. Three times in a span of 30 minutes, she was dealt red pocket aces; and each time they were cracked. What a horrible experience. Here's her metaphor to fit such occurrences: "I caught a fish, but I was fed to the shark, only to be swallowed by a whale." You can decide on the interpretation of her metaphor.
Jeremy Larance is an English professor at West Liberty State College, West Virginia, and an amateur etymologist who enjoys playing poker. He asked permission to use my previous column on "Metaphors in the Game of Poker" in his Introduction to Literature class, to show "... how terms we discuss are used in everyday life."
Professor Larance read my column while waiting for his table at the Wheeling Island Casino. He noted that some terms I called metaphors really aren't: "draw," "straight," and "flush" are "... simply terms of the game based on literal (though archaic) meanings of the words." He agrees that the three examples that Esther provided are indeed metaphors, and congratulates her (she is only 12) "on mastering a term many of my college students never seem to grasp."
Jeremy clarified how we got to label five cards in sequence a "straight," which literally is something that is free of curves, bends, or angles. His explanation: "One of the older uses of the word straight denoted something in proper order, not ruffled or disarranged." The term was first applied to poker in 1841. He admits to being puzzled by the use of the term "the nuts" in poker. He plans to research it and will share his findings with us. Jeremy offered a great metaphor: "His face read like an audio book telling his entire story aloud to the table."
In the final analysis, while it was hard to choose one among the many submitted, we agreed that a metaphor submitted by Stephen Miller, who plays at the Greektown Casino in Detroit, Michigan, deserves the prize: The "sweetener" is a raise where someone in late position raises, pricing in the person next to him to call. This makes for a pot that is too "sweet" to miss. All of these people will receive a prize-a copy of my Hold 'em or Fold 'em? booklet, describing the Hold 'em Algorithm. (It's awesome!)
So, readers, what's your opinion?
George "The Engineer" Epstein is the author of The Greatest Book of Poker for Winners! and Hold 'em or Fold 'em?--An Algorithm for Making the Key Decision and teaches poker at the Claude Pepper Sr. Citizen Center in Los Angeles. Contact George at geps222@msn.com.
