AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker TITLE: A few bucks among buddies DATE: 4:15 AM ----- BODY: After moving all-in with your pocket cowboys, the flop came down with big
slick and a four. Your luck seemed to be improving until the turn brought an
ace and you realized your opponent had bullets. The river didn't bring any
help, and you found yourself declared the bad beat of the night. To some,
what was just described is a mystery. Others know exactly what just happened
thanks to the rising popularity of Texas Hold'em poker. Poker players across
the valley gather each week in their homes to put their money in the pot,
test their luck and bolster - or lower - their paychecks. "I'm not really a
gambler, it's more of a social event for me," poker player Chris Amoroso
said. "It's just a great excuse to get out and get together in a social
setting that's not a bar, and that's something that's lacking in the valley.
"As far as entertainment value goes, it's worth the $10 to get three hours
just goofing around with your friends." It's all about friends competing
and laughing it up, said Chris Parker who plays in a weekly game in Avon.
"We each buy in for $10 or so, and are allowed one re-buy if you're knocked
out," Chris Parker said. "The winner takes it all home and then we come back
again next week to do it all again." Poker is a game of skill and is more
intricate card game than any other, poker player Charlie Wood said. "It's
such a challenge because you have to play your cards, read the other players
and know whether to play tight or loose," Wood said. "It's a great game." In
Colorado, it's a game that could land you in trouble if your game is deemed
to be illegal. --------