Poker Bid

The Kids and the Poker Craze by Susie Isaacs

In my travels in the poker world, I am often asked two things: how long do I think this poker craze will last, and do I believe that the poker phenomenon will have an adverse effect on the kids? The first one is easy. I do not believe this tremendous interest in poker is a craze. I believe America has finally discovered poker for what it is: an exciting game of skill that is played on a level playing field where neither gender nor physical strength is an issue. To think that the tremendous interest in poker is a craze or a "fad" is like considering golf or tennis a "fad." The other question, how the poker renaissance is affecting our young, is one I couldn't so readily answer.

My mom didn't know I played poker until I was in my forties. My folks were Southern Baptists, and a lot of things that are acceptable to me were not to them; dancing and playing poker, to name a few were fast tracks to hell. I wasn't so religious or so strict.

I raised three kids, two boys and a girl. They were three years apart in age. When I was a mom, I tried to be cool and provide an atmosphere where they could enjoy bringing their friends over. When they played poker, it was a secret gathering in the basement. It was a different time. Our family activities were weekends on the lake, which we all enjoyed and even at that, the kids liked to take the canoe and paddle out of our sight.

If I were raising my kids today, with my involvement in poker, would I encourage them to play? Would I share with them the knowledge I have gained from decades at the tables? I might not encourage them, but if they were truly interested I would be honored to share with them, even play with them.

The following is a story which opened my eyes to what I may have missed by being born too soon and raising my kids prior to the surge in the popularity of poker.

While attending the 2005 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, I had a delightful conversation with Kelly and Mike Crystal from Niagara Falls, New York. They were in the audience for the experience of being at a major league poker event. They were excited to discuss the poker explosion over the last few years. They have three sons; Michael, age 18, Taylor, 16, and Chayse, 13.

"I got really, really lucky in a satellite tournament at Foxwoods," Mike beamed. "I couldn't believe it; I won a seat in the $10,000 event in the World Poker Tour at Foxwoods!"

"To be honest," Kelly interrupted, "our boys play better than us. As a matter of fact, they are better than any of the adults that we play with."

"That's the truth," Mike admitted. "Our boys have been playing for three years."

"They don't just play," Kelly added, "they study the game. They have a collection of books and videos. They like nothing better socially than to have a $10 buy-in, two-table tournament with their friends. They don't just play cards, they think about what they are doing, they bluff, it's amazing� and they are at home enjoying themselves."

Mike continued, "Can you imagine kids wanting to spend New Year's Eve with the adults? Last New Year's Eve, we had a party and all the kids came because we were having a poker tournament. There were eight adults and 12 kids. The first eight players eliminated were the adults. Our youngest, Chayse, won it! I wish he could play for me at Foxwoods. I honestly think he would have a better shot at it than me!"