JF Ptak Science Books Post 2462
Here’s an interesting (literally) little book1 on Western poker players and poker in general published in the Great State in 1930. What makes it very appealing to me is that it has colorful and rusty minute biographies (with drawings) of some of the noteworthy Western players, though it is particularly Texas-centric.(15 of 21 of the players are from that state).
(The Library of Congress Copyright entries for 1930 lists “J.F. Dresing, Jr.” 2 in what may be the author’s chair.)
Contents of the pamphlet:
Introductory:
- “Rules for Winners (How to win more)” with advice such as “…Get in first blow on arriving home by advising wife of the pre-carious condition of the SICK FRIEND…”
- The pamphlet also offers “Rules for Losers (How to lose more)” such as “…attempt to “bluff” the winners frequently, and note result….” And “…draw for middle straights whenever the opportunity offers…” and “…never despair…”
- General Rules, such as “… when the cards are passed around, and the ‘pot not opened,’ do not neglect to mention, ‘honest dealer’”
- Rules for On-Lookers or Sweaters, such as “…request the cinch players to loosen up…” and “…talk all the time, criticize every man’s play…”
Wild Cards section:
- “Addresses to Make Up a Game table”
- “Experience log to track who owes what”
And then comes the 21 images of the great Texas poker players and their one-line identifications, which are entertaining and probably not very helpful:
Damon G. Gaiter, Dallas, Texas, “Who plays them wide open and makes the ‘going’ rough for the Leathered Vested FRATERNITY.”
B.A. Parrett, Owl-Den, Texas, “Who talks loose, but plays tight.”