There were 6 players in all, gathered for another home game, one in countless home games spanning over 20 years of home games. A motley congreagation of actors and musicians (wonder what that is like?) Burgers 'n dogs were grilled, beans baked and the potatoes were served in the only way that counts: mustard potato salad. The beer was chilled and coffee hot. Snacks were on the counter anticipating their position at the elbow of a player, ready to witness a big pot coming across the table to keep them company.

Chips were counted out and cards were flipped for the deal. First jack would take the honor which was won by yours truly. Having convinced the group to try a single blind structure and 5¢ and 10¢ limits (mortgages, remember?), I started the evening off with Hold-Em. In our version of dealer's choice, the game chosen is played for a complete round ending at the dealer, then the choice is passed to the left.

First hand I dealt myself a J-8 offsuit, which I folded. Had I hung onto it, I would have taken the first pot of the evening wih trip eights. The next hand brought me J-8 again, which, I took as a hint. I played it and took the pot with a pair of Jacks. The first round of hands had me up a bit, and then I took a bite on a few. I knew that to stay afloat I'd have to loosen up and be prepared to go all the way against unknowns. The book was blithely tossed out the window.

We played Hold-Em. 7 card stud, 5 card stud and 5 card draw. Gone were other favorites - Anaconda (which I dislike immensly), Mexican Sweat (which everyone but me dislikes immensly), hi-low Chicago, etc. Hold-em was the best to me (nooo, really?), giving me a couple of hands in which I made my sets. In fact, I was fortunate enough to see several sets during the course of the evening, helping my stack to gain a little equity.

The evening was rife with silliness and downright fun. It's always good to get together with close pals, great to have a wonderful time, and even better to end the evening with a chunk of their change in my pocket *big wink*. Yours truly ended up the big wiener with a respectable $4.50 profit. A positive EV all the way around.

And now your feature presentation:

Home Game Hijinx