THE WORLD'S #1 POKER MANUAL - Card Games

Poker Book, Games
● Make a firm starting time clear to all players.
● Emphasize the reason and importance of being on time.
● Admonish late-arriving players.
● Establish fines or penalties for late arrivals.
● Fill the game early so late-arriving players will not get a seat.
The Monday night game is supposed to start at eight o'clock. As more and more players arrive
late, the game starts later and later. Eventually players start arriving at ten and eleven o'clock.
Attendance begins to drop, so John Finn takes action. He suggests a $5 fine for anyone arriving
after the game starts. The players, disgusted with the late starting times, all agree.
The following week, six players arrive by eight o'clock and the game starts at eight fifteen--the
earliest start in months. At nine o'clock, Quintin Merck wanders in.
"Get it up!" Sid roars.
"Uh, what ya mean?" Quintin grumbles as he seats himself at the table.
"You're late," Sid says, grinning. "Five-buck fine, buddy."
"Ah, don't give me that kid stuff. Deal the cards," Quintin says. He then puffs hard on his
cigarette.
Sid deals Quintin out.
"Hey!" Quintin slaps his hand on the table. "What about my hand?"
"You ain't playing till you pay your fine," Sid says. The other players nod in agreement.
"We play for thousands of dollars and you boy scouts hound me for five bucks," Quintin growls
while throwing a $5 bill at Sid.
The following week, all the players are at Scotty's house by eight o'clock. Since the fine was put
into effect, the game never starts later than eight fifteen.
It's amazing, John thinks to himself. They'll casually lose thousands through lack of effort, but
they'll make a big effort to avoid a $5 fine.
3. Quitting Time (102)
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