Just like other games, there are some rules of etiquette when playing Hold’em. Besides the universal standard for courtesy, another is: “No talking from players about cards that have been shown, until the round is completely over.” A third important one is “When raising the bet, be sure to do it verbally so everyone at the table is aware”. An interesting focal point some of the players use at the poker table are half dollar or larger sized card protectors. These are not mandatory, but act similar in use to a paper weight. It’s a fun way to show which cards on the table are actively being used by individual players. They also provide a valuable function because they keep dealers from mistakenly scooping up live cards being played, with cards other players have cast in. Protectors can also help if another player throws in their cards and they accidentally fly in with someone who is playing. If you don’t have your cards guarded they can be called dead and are useless for the rest of the round. Some people use one of the poker chips from their stack or nothing at all. Dawn and Terry Williams have a collection of forty-four protectors. These can be purchased routinely at poker events. Many are given away as keepsakes for players at tournaments. These can even be ordered and customized with personal photos. Willy uses his brass military coin from where he was stationed in the Army. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some people feel that their card protector is a lucky charm of sorts. Most of the Yankton league players practice with free online games at sites such as Zynga Poker and World Series of Poker. They also watch the televised championships that have made superstars out of past winners. A name that comes up frequently is Daniel Negreanu, AKA the Power Kid. He is a Canadian professional poker player that has won six World Series of Poker bracelets and two World Poker Championship titles. The Williams have met Negreanu personally, and other players have said that they like him not only because of his exceptional playing ability, but also because of how welcoming and kind he is to even beginners. This is an attribute this writer has discovered is consistent while watching recent poker games with the Yankton Monday night league. As newcomers to Hold’em many are nonetheless drawn by its seeming duality of simplicity and strategy. How a player can come so close to losing all their chips, only to bounce back and be the unexpected winner at the end, or how the turn of the last community card, known as the River, can allow you to win the pot of everyone’s bets is exhilarating. All of the Yankton League players are supremely generous in answering basic questions, explaining the meanings of Hold’em jargon and sharing their advice for aspiring beginners. One of the constant refrains was to “be in it for the fun”, another was “Practice, practice, practice!” Just like learning anything else the best way to get better at something, is to do it a lot. A number of regular players advocated for trying the free games online to get a sense of how to play without the pressure of face to face competition. Many of the websites give helpful information, tips, and will even show your odds, based on your cards of winning, to help in deciding how to bet. Melissa gives some sage advice for those considering whether to join a local league. It’s a time commitment, just like being in a bowling, pool or dart league. “You play for yourself in Hold’em, but players really like getting to know each other and want everyone to show up consistently. It’s not fair to beat the pants out of everyone one night, and never come back again.” So if you are an infrequent player or have a fluctuating schedule, it’s probably better to play at home or with friends when convenient instead. Watching Melissa play was extremely helpful. She’d briefly flash me her pocket cards and give me tips, as the game progressed. When I asked Melissa what the biggest stack of chips she’d ever had or won with, she told me, “I really don’t know. I don’t keep exact track of my chips, it’s bad luck.” Melissa is soft spoken in person, but a real presence at the poker table. This writer has no doubt she is perfectly aware of all her opponents chip stacks though. For Melissa playing Texas Hold’em has been a great way to get out of the house and meet new people. It’s been a way to cultivate lasting friendships and make her game even better. Playing Texas Hold’em is not purely recreational, but also a constantly evolving sport that keeps changing to remain challenging and interesting for the people who play it. For those who are playing in hopes of winning upcoming tournaments, may the cards be in your favor! For further information or questions about joining a FPN Yankton League, feel free to contact Dawn Williams at 605-661-4323. n HERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019v17