Jacks or Better

5 April 2004


America's Sport -- Poker

Historically, the national pastime in the US is baseball. In the last generation, professional football as played in the NFL passed baseball in TV ratings and revenue. Basketball is just called "ball" in the city centers that are blacker than the rest of the nation. Yet, one cannot understand Americans without understanding their national sport -- poker.

Gambling is as old as mankind, and whether it is a wager on a race or the spin of a roulette wheel it is part of modern society as well. Poker, though remains uniquely American, and its revival on college campuses bodes well for fans of 7-card stud, Texas Hold 'Em or the colorfully named Spit-in-the-Ocean. A recent free tournament at Binghampton University in New York drew over 250 players. A last minute Valentine's Day event got 150. If it is a sin, it does less damage than binge drinking or crystal meth.

First and foremost in understanding America's love of poker is the individualism. There are as many varieties and variations are there are traits in the gene pool. Sometimes, deuces are wild, other times, they are just crummy twos. The best hand wins, but sometimes, a good game of High-Lo or Lo-ball can make a lousy hand pay off.

Then, there is the score-keeping. One can play just for the fun of it, but poker really isn't enjoyable until there is money on the line. Those whose strict grandmothers who forbade gambling for money used matchsticks, but the idea is the same. Not every hand is worth the same, and managing the bankroll is more important than drawing the right card.

Bluffing is a major component in poker, and in American culture. The Soviets, who encouraged their people to play chess as an aid to strategic thinking, were in over their heads against a nation that would keep a straight face while throwing in an extra $100 holding a pair of threes. Perceptions are reality in poker. Presidential candidates win nominations by looking like winners -- Americans pay little attention to losers with great ideas, e.g., Dennis Kucinich.

Poker and life in America. One takes the hand one is dealt, and does the best one can. Sometimes, that means folding right away. Other times, bluffing is necessary. Sometimes, the hand is great but shouldn't be over-played. And after the winner claims the pot, everyone antes up for another hand.

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