Dear Mark, At a poker table, I placed
my cards down and turned to order a drink from the cocktail waitress. The dealer
took my cards, killing a flush that would have probably won. What gives? Cliff
R.
(The epistle Cliff penned was over 1,000 words
long-including some four-letter compliments of the dealer that are inappropriate
for this column-describing what can be summed up in the 34 words above.) You
didn't mention, Cliff, which poker game you
were playing, but in Omaha or Hold'em, where some of your cards are hand-held,
it is your responsibility, NOT the dealer's, to be in total control of them.
Unprotected cards left out in the open is a traditional
sign that you are folding. You cannot blame the dealer for scooping them up as
you're ordering your fifth Jack Daniels.
I have witnessed another one you
might watch for. A fellow player who is folding
may happen to touch your cards as he's tossing in his, which disqualifies your
hand and your interest in the pot. Commingling cards, my friend, have been known
to bring out a six-shooter.
Next time, Cliff, place a chip on top of your
"pocket cards" in order
to protect that flush that possibly,
not "probably", could have won.
