THE WORLD'S #1 POKER MANUAL - Card Games

Poker Book, Expansion
John Finn tries to fill the Monday night game with at least eight players. He has a nucleus of five
players (Sid, Ted, Scotty, Quintin, and himself) who have played regularly over the years. Two or
three other players regularly circulate in and out of the game; they usually survive three to twelve
months, sometimes longer. Also eight or nine different men play sporadically or when coaxed.
Those irregular players provide important income and are valuable for filling and stabilizing the
game.
About half of the new players are introduced to the Monday game by John. His major source of
new players is other, lower-stake poker games. Mentioning poker to social and business
acquaintances generates a few players, especially for the smaller games. Some of those players
later graduate to the big game.
a. Keeping players (107)
If a new player is a financial asset, the good player keeps him in the game by--
● being friendly and helpful to him (especially if the new player is timid or nervous)
● making him feel that the game is relaxed and enjoyable
● countering other players' remarks and actions that may upset him (probably more players quit
poker because of hurt feelings than because of hurt finances)
● avoiding overpowering or scaring him
● not taking full advantage of his weaknesses
● making him feel that he is a welcome member of the group
● favoring him whenever possible
● flattering him when he wins and offering him sympathy when he loses
● giving him encouragement and advice about the game.
John Finn brings a new player, Aaron Smith, to the big Monday night game. Although Aaron
plays in the lower-stake Friday night game, he is timid and nervous. Knowing that Aaron will lose
many thousands of dollars if he becomes a permanent player, John sits next to him and helps him
whenever possible. He protects Aaron from upsetting losses that could scare him out of the game.
He shields him from derogatory remarks that could insult him out of the game. John knows that
Aaron will absorb large losses and take insults gracefully once he gets accustomed to the game and
its players.
Whenever John folds, he studies Aaron's hand and gives him sound advice; John helps him to a
winning night. Aaron is excited ... his confidence increases and his fear decreases. Whenever Sid
throws an insulting remark at Aaron, John counters with an ego-boosting comment. By his third
game, Aaron Smith is hooked; he loves the Monday night game and its players. At that point, John
withdraws his help and Aaron is on his own.
When Aaron Smith (or any big loser) gets discouraged and contemplates quitting, John Finn
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