The Monthly Freeze-Out

Last night I played in the monthly Texas Hold 'Em freeze-out tournament at the Mad Scientist's house that I've been participating in for close to three years now. I didn't win this time, but as usual, I enjoyed the play. The list of invitees has dropped considerably...to around twenty-five. It used to be closer to forty-five. We started out with twelve players last night. In the past we would start out with at least twenty. There also used to be several other women who played. Now there are only three on the list. Many times I'm the only she that shows up to the den of iniquity, but it's a pleasant group of guys and the Mad Scientist puts out a nice spread for grazing. The buy-in is low enough ($40) that nobody gets bent out of shape when they get knocked out, and while the level of play is above average, it's not the World Series of Poker. We also have a point system that has a six-month run, with a side pot as an incentive, to reward consistent play. Right now, I'm in second place in points behind the Mad Scientist, with two months to go. The points winner usually gets upwards of $350. If I were to win it, it would be a first.

Here's the thing: People (my friends and family) imagine all sorts of things when you tell them you play poker with a bunch of men.
They think:
1. Smoke-filled room
2. Heavy drinking
3. General debauchery
In a way, I hate to ruin the image, but here's the reality, people:
1. Smoke breaks: There is NO SMOKING indoors, so we take short breaks so the smokers can go outside on the patio to burn one.
2. Adult beverages: It's bring your own, and no one over-does it. Who can carry that much?
3. Debauchery: If that's what you want to call chicken salad or ham on crackers, chips and dip, mixed nuts, cookies and the ever-present Peanut M&M's, then yes, there's a certain level of debauchery.
We're like a bridge group on crack.