My small group from last year’s men’s Bible study introduced me to poker. (no, that’s not a heretical statement!) As a way to hang out outside the study, we started meeting once a month for games of Texas Hold ‘Em, one popular flavor of the game. Over pizza or other junk food, we matched wits, cards, bluffs, and wills for the title of Manziers Poker Champion. Thankfully (for me), no money was involved, just fun and bragging rights. It’s an interesting game because playing it well requires knowledge of probability (which cards are likely to show up next?), the rules (does a straight beat a flush?), technique (should I raise the ante slowly, quickly, or not at all for this hand?), psychology (is James bluffing? he looks kinda nervous. Or is he faking nervousness to throw me off? hmm…), and observation (Josh bluffs often, so keep him honest), plus some guts if you’re playing for real money. I’m no pro, but I win a few hands here and there. I think I got a straight flush once. I don’t think I’m a good liar, though. Strangely, an incredible hand doesn’t guarantee incredible money, since the size of the pot depends on how much the other players add to it, which depends on their own hands and how confident they are that they can win. Our group took a break from poker for a few months, but we’re getting together Monday night to get back in the game.