Call

Taking a few moments to analyze what just happened, you think about what this jerk might have. Could he be holding a straight? He could, but if he doesn?t have a flush, he has to be worried that you might have one. He?d probably just call then. And besides, unless he was holding a pair of nines to start with, he probably would?ve folded a while ago.

He could have a flush, of course. But again, look at what?s available. If he has, say, the two of hearts, he?s still going to be worried that you have a bigger heart and probably just call. If he has a straight flush or the ace of hearts, he?d probably raise, but only enough to basically **** you to call. He could have the ten, jack, queen, or king of hearts. In that case, he?s got one of the best possible hands out there, but would be worried enough about you that he?d feel the need to bet big. Maybe he could scare you off with a huge bet if you held the jack of hearts, fearing he may have something bigger. You are a novice to him, and you haven?t been bluffing so far at the table, so that?s a fair bet. He could have started with pocket Jacks and caught his flush.

But that only leaves four cards in the deck where that bet would make sense. Moreover, he has been way too quick to bet this hand, and way too confident. It?s like he?s putting on an act for you. Your gut tells you he missed the flop completely and is simply trying to scare you away. He doesn?t want you to call. Standing out of your seat, you cock one hand on your hip. ?Call!? you proclaim. The crowd goes nuts.

You detect a sneer as your opponent tosses over?

Q? J?

The crowd gasps, realizing what?s about to come. You flip over your cowboys to the sounds of cheers and whistles all around. The guy doesn?t so much as shake your hand before picking up his few remaining chips and stomping away from the tables. Maddie gives you a hug. The dealer takes his rake and you tip him an extra ten before picking up your stack. All in all, you come away with just over eight-hundred bucks!

The two of you celebrate your good fortune (or is that cunning skill?) over a glass of champagne back at the hotel and a few games of Durok. At one point, Maddie asks,

?So what do you plan on doing with all that dough??

?Oh, I don?t know,? you reply. ?Probably just put most of it in the bank.?

?Come on, girl,? she retorts. ?You should spend the money on something nice for yourself. We could go shopping tomorrow and you can splurge.?

You roll that thought over in your head.

?And hey, we still got all week,? she adds, slyly. ?You could always fly Alan out here to join our party.?

You laugh. ?But he?s gotta work!? you almost protest.

?Talk him out of it then.?

That does sound like fun. But you don?t want to coerce him either. You could just as easily take him on a trip later with all the money you?ve just won.

Maddie looks at you expectantly.