My Poker Heroes

By: Frank Hunter

I don’t consider myself to be a professional poker player by any means. I am just an avid amateur, who is well known and avoided by all the newbie poker players. Poker has always been a favorite past time around here. We live in the suburbs of Wyoming, so there really isn’t much else to do. With all the exposure of poker on television, poker has become even more popular in my town. This is great for me, since I am an experienced player I eat these new kids up for breakfast. I do it all for the pride and I don’t mind the couple extra dollars floating around in my bank account.

I was taught the game of poker by three men, who I respect and still look up to today. They were not like the huge World Series of Poker super stars you see today. They were average men, just like you and me. Average men with an above average passion for poker. First there was Bubba. Bubba was a 400 pound man, who constantly smoked and worked at the local deli. He passed on a few years back, but I will always remember his style of play and the many things he taught me about poker. He taught me to pay attention to all of the players in the room. Look for tells and certain actions that players subconsciously show. Bubba said these are players’ weaknesses and no matter how hard they try to hide them, it’s still very obvious to the trained eye.

Then there was Anthony Panzarelli, an Italian man who owned a pizza parlor in town. I guess he was born in Sicily and raised in New York City and the rest of his story is rather vague. My mother suspected he was associated with the mob and told me to stay as far away from him as possible. Of course I didn’t listen, I was 15 and would do anything these poker legends told me to. Don’t get me wrong, none of these guys tried to hurt me. They just wanted to teach me everything they knew about poker. Anthony also known as Toni always told me to switch up my poker game and never let another player intimidate me or get inside my heat. His advice is still stuck in my head till this day, I will always remember Anthony’s lively character and comedic styling.

The last and most memorable poker hero of mine was my grandfather. He was a strong player who didn’t let his emotions show while he was playing. Grandpa was a one-of-a-kind poker player. He could bluff his way out of the worst hand of cards you could ever imagine. My grandfather never actually taught me how to play poker. He would take me on Saturday nights to underground poker tournaments and let me watch every single play. So, I am somewhat of a self taught poker enthusiast. I would sit and watch for hours, all the excitement and drama was entertaining. I couldn’t wait until I turned 16 and could actually play and place my own bets. For years I was just the gopher, running to get drinks or taking care of any errands my grandfather needed done. I would do anything just to get the chance to watch him play. Sadly, my grandfather passed away when I was only 16. He left me with a pocket watch, his poker set and the words that I will always remember, “Son, luck comes and goes….but knowledge will stay forever.