Knaves & Queens

/ Editor / 26 September 2007 / Leave a Comment

Women in poker. Discuss.

Well, the winner of the inaugural WSOPE is a Norwegian teenager called Annette Obrestad. 'Nuff said.

But poker is a man's game, say the men in the big hats. At least it was before gymslip players arrived to take home the spoils.

The idea that women differ from men in poker is ludicrous. The only barrier to more women playing the game is getting them interested in it.

Sitting around with boorish men living out their Priapic Bond fantasises and waiting for the little lady to fetch them a drink and shake it like a Thai cocktail waitress is not for everyone.

Perhaps this is why the Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) exists?

As reported, the tourny has not gone down well with one and all. At last weekend's California State Poker Championship, six men, including former baseball player Jose Canseco, demanded entry into the ladies only event. They were refused.

But their point was made: poker should not divide over gender. If less enlightened men are to accept women they should play them on equal terms.

And women should take note of Miss Obrestad and not be put off and intimidated.

Know that the cards pay no heed to gender.

Discuss.