West of the Mind

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about cash games in people's homes, and the rake that is taken.  Seems every time I send out an invitation to 50 people, at least 10 reply back "Is there a rake?"  It's an easy question to answer, since nearly every time the answer is "Yes". So what are rakes, and why are they taken? Well, to begin with the invitation nearly always says "Food and Drink provided".  That doesn't mean there's bread and water there, it means there's a meal and any drink you may want.  If you arrive and there are 11 types of soda, but you like Tab, the host will run to the store and buy you some Tab.  If you drink Hennessy, I can assure you there's either already a bottle waiting for you, or there will be before you can get your cup of ice and mixer prepared. Hennessy is $72 a bottle.  And that's just one drink for one person.  Wait, you drink Johnny Walker Black?  That's $43 a bottle.  So for two

If you are local to Colorado Springs, and we’re friends….in real life….this is for you: I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I’ve made a decision that I want to post here. Please read this and decide for yourselves. Everyone knows the problems I have with Steve Scott.  And many of you have made the decision to not get involved and remain friends with both of us.  I’ve accepted that, for a long time. But I've decided to throw scum under the bus and support the good people.   So this post will serve notice of my feelings. 1. If you have continued to play poker at his house, you need to know that he isn’t as good as you think.    When he deals, he cheats.    Period.    Have you ever noticed his wife sits to his left in seat 2?    Pay attention to when he reaches over with his right hand and tickles her.    That’s when he’s cutting the cards with his left hand.    I guarantee you he’s already peeked at the deck, marked it with his thumb…and dealt the burn car