1. Finding a Game

Practically every regular poker game needs, at times, additional players. Likewise, most games need more permanent players. When a “desirable” player spreads word of his poker interest, he usually gets invitations to other games. Most poker players consider a player desirable if he—

• plays a clean game
• arrives on time
• is cooperative and congenial
• acts respectful toward other players
• plays to the end regardless of his winnings or losses
• keeps the game organized.

The good player by design has those “desirable” traits, but considers such traits in his opponents as neither important nor desirable. Since he is interested only in extracting maximum money from the game, his desirable opponents are—

• poor players
• steady players
• players with plenty of excess
• money players who will not harm the game.

Ironically, most players will invite the costly good poker player to their game in preference to a profitable poor player.

The players in the Monday night game consider John Finn a desirable player and an asset to the game. They refuse to realize that he is their biggest liability— staggering liability of $42,000 per year. They are glad John is in the game because he is cooperative, congenial. and respectful. He plays a clean game, always arrives on time, and plays until the end. They are grateful that he keeps the game organized. He is a pleasant, soothing, comfortable player. Everyone appreciates him.

John works hard to keep his opponents satisfied and happy. His fee for the effort — $42,000 per year.