I always liked playing games. Monopoly around the fireplace with my parents, hearts during college, craps at Lake Tahoe.
So when the chance came up to enter a Texas Hold-Em poker tournament to raise money for Opportunity House in Vacaville came up, I pounced. And from what I could tell, the event last weekend was a resounding success.
I tried to persuade a couple of friends to play, too, but the $150 entry fee was a bit steep for journalists, except those of us who got their income tax refund a few days before. So I walked up those steps to the second floor of the Opera House by myself with the goal of getting to the final table.
Felt-covered tables filled the hall. A large screen perched on one wall with a time clock. Volunteer dealers dressed in black and white stood by each table while organizers wearing "What plays in the Opera House stays in the Opera House" T-shirts scurried about finalizing the last details.
I was assigned to the Chase bank table staff by volunteer dealer George Kalis. Each table had a sponsor - various business and groups - which then got the glory of their name printed on the felt that covered each table. The seven players at each table got $3,000 in chips and a clear visor - what all real poker players wear, apparently.
The drinks started flowing almost immediately, but I stuck to diet soda - I wasn't going to distract myself from my goal. I organized my chips, even though some experts say playing with your chips is a tell in poker. I casually scoped out my fellow players - a young girl and the rest older men, some a bit more worn than others, some more experienced than others.
The first hand went easy, with a mustached man betting heavily and winning the pot. The second hand, well, the second hand I paired up a six on the flop and then paired up a queen on the turn. I had two pair, queens and sixes, and I bet accordingly. But this guy, this bully better, went all in, pushing in all his chips - on the second hand, mind you - and I faced the dilemma all players face - should I call and risk losing all my chips, or fold and stick around for another play.
It was tough. The cards showing on the table indicated he could easily have a straight, which would beat my two pair. But I also was getting the feeling he was a big bluffer. So I was torn. But in the end I chickened out primarily because I didn't want to be the first person out in the whole tournament.
No guts, no glory, I guess.
That put me in a hole for the rest of the night. I continued to play, winning a few hands, losing a few, folding quite a number. A couple of times I got down to my last few dollars and managed to come back, win some pots and keep going.
My fondest memory was of flopping a straight ace high when I bet all my chips - all $125 worth - after I drew an ace queen. But it didn't last. Still, I made it pretty much through the whole tournament, although I didn't make it to the final table, which was my goal.
But, more to the point, the homeless shelter in Vacaville gained a lot of money. About 130 people paid the $150 to participate, plus others - spouses, friends, I assume - paid $50 to watch. Sponsors helped pay for the props and food. And from the raucous laughter and shouts of glee or despair, it seemed all the players had a good time.
I don't know who came up with the idea of the poker fund-raiser but I hope they do it again. Cache Creek is a bit of a drive for me and with this I can get the fun of playing and contribute money to a good cause. Seems like we all came out winners in the end.
Kathleen L'Ecluse is the city editor of the Daily Republic. Reach her at 427-6933 or klecluse@dailyrepublic.net.
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