Poker is typically depicted in films, on TV and in books as being either the pastime of whisky-swilling cowboys, or domestic modern men escaping their wives to a friend’s basement for some poker, club sandwiches and cigars. Women don’t usually feature in the equation, except if they are draped over a cowboy, however the reality of poker today is now challenging this myth – and for the better.
Women have a unique advantage when playing poker in that often their tablemates underestimate their ability. They are seen as players who will go for safe options, playing only quality hands and betting timidly.
This may be true of some women as they are learning the game (and for men too) and building confidence - finding out how much they want to put on the line. It’s not unfair to say that women have a tendency to keep a little in reserve and the aggressive nature of, say, No Limit can be quite intimidating. But the results speak for themselves… women are muscling in on poker and bringing their own style and personality to the table.
One of the game’s biggest female names, Annie Duke is an undisputed master of the game. A professional player, she has won a bracelet at the World Series of Poker and has made a small fortune with her talent. Jennifer Harman, another stand-out, is no stranger to success at the table either. Along with two World Series of Poker bracelets she has won an impressive $2.2 million in her professional career. These are the names that many have heard of but there are countless others online, at the casino or playing pub poker who are giving their male tablemates a run for their money.
So if you’re someone who assumes that the women at your table are the weak players, think again. It might be you coming off second best in a showdown.
