Hobby and I had been hired as consultants by a European on-line poker company that was looking for a novel way to promote their website via a live poker tournament. After we had proposed a radical concept an aberrant employee wanted to rip us off. The German we knew as Hans was subsequently fired. Our CALP concept, for computer- aided-live-poker, would be featured in the finals of an upcoming tournament. We met with Trevor, the Rekopnuf (that's poker fun spelled backwards) CEO who had hired us, and his development team. After introductions Trevor said, "I've briefed them on the basics. They have some questions for you."
"Why seven seats at the table when traditionally there are ten?"
"It's to limit the size. Since all the players are one side, it would be too stretched out to have ten seats." Hobby answered as he motioned my way.
"Exactly," I replied.
"Also, keep in mind that we are only talking about five or six CALP tables for the final rounds. All the other tournament tables will be the ten-seat conventional type with dealers."
"What features do you want on the three large screens?"
"Basically what you now have on your website screens, without the simulated players. Windows on the screens will show live videos of the players. For example, during betting the feed from the active player's camera would be featured; at showdown several players may be shown simultaneously."
"About the player banks, I understand they'll be displayed on the large screens and adjusted as players bet, et cetera, but how are they set up and how does the player cash-in at the end of a session?"
"For the tournament, each player will feed his barcoded voucher into a slot and can retrieve the balance the same way at the end of play." And so it was that the development meeting proceeded with our guidance for two more days by which time the team felt they had plenty to work with. During our remaining two days Hobby and I planned to visit some of London's gambling clubs. We sought advice from Trevor.
"I can give you a list of the best places to visit, but it's a two-step affair. First you present your credentials and then wait 24 hours before you are admitted for play."
"That's a bummer," Hobby said.
"Sorry about that old chap, but I have another possibility that might prove interesting."
"What's that, Trevor?"
"The owner of the casino where we'll hold the tournament wants to meet you and has invited the three of us for dinner. He might waive the 24 hour waiting period if you want to gamble at his place."
"I'm for that, Trevor," Hobby said. "I want to win some Euros. How about you, Joe?"
"Absolutely."
Jack Adams was a jovial middle-aged gent with a round red face reminiscent of W.C. Fields. Our steak dinners (no kidneys, thank you) were enjoyed along with light-hearted banter.
Trevor asked Hobby to retell the story of how we won a multi-million dollar tournament with a dead man. Jack laughed so hard I feared he would have a heart attack. After we settled down with after-din- ner drinks his mood became businesslike.
"Trevor told me about your CALP concept and how it will be used for the final rounds of his tournament. I think it's a capital idea, which will pay dividends for Trevor's company, but I'm wondering if it might also portend changes in casino poker rooms.
Have you thought about that?"
Hobby nodded to me, so I began, "We have. We believe CALP may start a new trend in live poker play. It will immediately appeal to some poker players and will gradually become popular. It is especially attractive to those who prefer quicker play, and for those who grew up on the internet. There are great advantages for the house, too. Quicker play means more pots to drag and, without the expense of a dealer. The turnover should be double or more compared to a dealer operated table. Of course there is the capital cost to offset. That's something you'll have to factor in once the product is developed." "That's exactly what I've been thinking. I'm truly pleased to be a part of this experiment. I wish you great success. Trevor told me you'd like a little action. I've arranged for your immediate membership. You may play if you wish."
We thanked Jack and headed for the poker room. I couldn't help but wish it were a CALP table. Back in California, except for occasional email exchanges with the development team, our lives were back to normal. We had agreed to keep CALP quiet until Rekopnuf announced their tournament. Things started popping after a story appeared. I got a call from Hobby.
"Joe, I picked up a copy of Poker Player at Commerce last night. They had a story about the Rekopnuf tournament and the CALP playoff. We're famous, Joe!"
"Did they mention our names?"
"Well, no. But we know!" "If that's good enough for you, Hobby, it's good enough for me. I'd rather not be hounded by the media."
"I know what you're saying Joe, but we should get the credit."
"Hobby, I learned a long time ago, it's better to get the cash than the credit." "I suppose. How about our trip to London?"
"Trevor's making arrangements, but remember, according to our agreement we can't play in the tournament. We will be earning a royalty, but frankly, I'm more interested to see how well CALP works.
"Yeah, me too," Hobby agreed.
We arrived in London the day they would be moving the top money winners to the five CALP tables. Trevor assured me they had conducted extensive tests and had worked out all the bugs. I could only hope he was right. The CALP tables were in a specially designed room. They were almost totally surrounded by a visitor gallery except for the television control booth, which also had seats for VIPs, including Hobby and me. The players had been briefed, but even so many were obviously disoriented at the start. Trevor assured us they would quickly become acclimated, and they did! I was fascinated watching the TV director as he selected play from one table or another as the commentators described the action. I could tell by the look on Trevor's face that he was pleased.
Later Trevor asked us to join him for a break. "I'm absolutely thrilled the way this is going," he said. "It's beyond our expectations. We're not on live TV, but we have a focus group watching on closed circuit TV. Thus far we're getting very high ratings. And have you noticed how many players are beaming at their images on the screens. They act like celebrities. I'm certain, CALP is a winner and it's putting Rekopnuf on the map. Congratulations to both of you!"
We watched more of the games, but I was feeling jetlagged and asked Hobby if he were ready to go back to the hotel. Outside the casino Hobby said, "Too many people waiting for taxis.
Let's walk back."
"Yeah, I think I can find the way."
"Capital! How's that for Brit talk?"
"Bloody good, Hobby."
We were going in the right general direction, but seemed to be entering a poorer neighborhood with narrow lanes and alleys. We had no idea we were being stalked when two men quickly came up behind us and herded us into an alley.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Hobby shouted.
"You'll find out," one answered as they withdrew clubs.
"Hey," Hobby said to the other man. "I recognize you. You're Hans. How're you doing?" Hobby's friendly demeanor momentarily distracted the wouldbe assailants.
Hans said, "You stupid Americans make me lost my chob. Now you suffer."
He took a mighty swing at Hobby. I knew what would happen next, so I kept my eyes on the man about to attack me. However, he was more interested in watching the action. When he saw Hans on his backside and Hobby holding the club, he lost interest and quickly back-pedaled out of the alley.
Hobby said, "What are we going to do with this guy?"
With my best Jimmy Cagney impression I said, "We ought to knock him off." "No, no, please," Hans said in a sobbing voice.
Hobby raised the club over his head as Hans winced and drew back. Then Hobby threw the club aside and reached into his jacket pocket. From his wallet he withdrew several $100 bills. As he tucked them into Han's pocket he said, "Hans, go home and don't bother us anymore. "You're too soft-hearted and generous, Hobby."
"What would you have done, Joe?"
"Probably, the same. I'm feeling too good to be a hard ass."
