if it's not rough, it isn't fun

Yesterday, I learned how to play poker.

Gracie brought out her set and together with Striker, she guided me through the game play. While catching up, they interjected and introduced terms like the dealer, the small blind and big blind, the flop, turn and river in the conversation.

"Study your opponents so you can figure out what they're thinking," she said. "Expressions give away your thoughts. Hence, the word 'poker face'. The more confident you are, the more likely you'll be harder to read."

Striker then dealt and handed our pocket cards. "You can't change the hand you were given." he said referring to the two cards on my hand. "But it's entirely up to you how you want to play them." So they showed me how to check or bet, or when to raise or call the ante, and even when to bluff and risk.

"And place smart bets," Gracie reminded me. "If your cards suck, you would probably want to fold."

Striker dealt the turn and asked, "So kamusta na kayo?"

I peeked at the cards on my hands and thought out loud, "I think I'm gonna have to fold..."

"Are you sure?" Gracie asked, doubtful.

"Yes."

Yesterday, I learned that life is a lot like poker.