Everything I know about playing poker I learned from country western singer Kenny Rogers. Perhaps you recall his hit song “The Gambler”? Some of the lyrics are very educational. “You got to know when to hold’em. Know when to fold’em. Know when to walk away.” The song continues with a warning about counting your money at the table. Personally, I don’t have to worry about counting any winnings because I am a poor card player and very unlucky.
Actual playing cards have been around and enjoyed for over 600 years. Gypsies, traders and crusaders introduced cards from China and Asia to Europe. It was very common to associate playing cards with soldiers and drinking. The first cards in Italy were hand painted and beautiful luxury items that only the upper class could afford. The Germans eventually printed cards so they were more affordable. The French were responsible for taxing playing cards. The English followed suit. The English invented the four suits, but America is responsible for the addition of “the joker,” which could be used as a wild card.
Today, cards are cheap and easily portable so people can play anywhere. Kids usually play games like “go fish” and “crazy eights.” Only a very naive adult can be talked into playing “war,” which can go on for hours. As a kid, my friends and I played Authors, which was considered educational, and “old maid,” for fun. That game is no longer politically correct so early examples of this game are highly collectible.
Adults today often play whist or bridge. They used to play canasta but it takes a long time to win. As kids we played it often on cold rainy Saturdays. My brother learned his numbers by playing canasta with his three older sisters!
Poker used to be a man’s game but now anyone can play. There are too many kinds of poker to name them. Say “strip poker” to teenagers to get their attention. My advice is to put 20 or 30 bobby pins in your hair or wear several bangle bracelets if you prefer to keep your clothes on. A western movie will probably contain one scene of men playing poker for big money. Throw in a saloon girl and you have a party. Only expert card sharks cheated because if you were found out, your fellow gamblers might shoot you dead right at the poker table.
Poker is certainly not my game. I am not a card counter, a risk-taker, a good bluffer, or a wealthy person. I prefer to spend money on a sure thing, as items at a garage sale that might be an antique, for cheap.
I have played in card clubs and hosted them. I have never ever won a prize… not even the low prize. I ruin my partner’s chance to win so I am not a popular partner. Having no pride when it comes to cards, I would gladly accept even the low prize.
Sweet and Easy Chicken Wings
3-4 lb chicken wings
1 – 5 oz bottle soy sauce
1 lb brown sugar
Separate chicken wings at the joint, discarding the tips. Arrange in a single layer in a 9×13 pan lined with foil and sprayed with Pam. Mix the soy sauce and brown sugar in a bowl and pour over chicken. Bake covered at 300 degrees for 3 hours, turning once. Serves 12 or more.