Hello friends, players, and curious readers –
Welcome to the very first post on my weekly blog, coming to you straight from upstairs at The Bull Moose Saloon in Alpine, Wyoming. My name’s Yolanda Navarrete, and for the last 13 years, I’ve been dealing cards, keeping the peace, and running games in this little corner of poker paradise four nights a week.
Some of you already know me from the table. Others might be stumbling on this blog wondering, "What’s poker like in a cowboy saloon 40 minutes from Jackson Hole?"
Well, it’s real, it’s rowdy (in a good way), and it’s got more heart than most casinos. Whether you’re a ranch hand, a city visitor, or a road-tripping tourist, you’re welcome here.
This Week’s Highlights
Friday night was pure fire – the kind of game that keeps you up late thinking about that one hand you maybe, just maybe, should’ve folded. We had a few new faces from Jackson, and I’ll tell you – one guy flopped quads twice in one night. Lightning really can strike twice if you’re holding pocket eights.
Saturday night’s cash game was equally spicy. One of our regulars made the play of the week – calling down a bluff with king-high. That takes guts and a read. Respect.
Sunday’s $25 Bounty Tournament brought in a handful of first-timers and some brave beginners. It’s one of my favorite nights – folks laugh, learn, and usually walk away with a story or two, even if not a prize.
Poker Manners Matter
A quick word about etiquette. Around here, we pride ourselves on creating a respectful table. That means:
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No slow rolling (if you’ve got the nuts, turn ‘em up)
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No angle shooting or rules-lawyering
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Don’t criticize how others play – especially newer folks
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And please, tip your dealer (it’s how we keep this game alive)
Poker’s a people game. It’s not just what you bet – it’s how you behave.
Strategy Corner: Playing Small Pocket Pairs
Let’s talk shop. Small pocket pairs – 2s through 6s – are what I call “hopeful hands.” They can make you rich or make you broke if you’re not careful.
Tip: In deep-stacked cash games, like our 1-2 No Limit, they’re gold if you can see a flop cheap. You’re hoping to hit a set – and if you don’t, don’t get married to ‘em.
Remember: No set? No bet.
Mikey Watch
Now let me brag on my husband for a second. Mikey plays in all our games, and most folks around here know he’s legally blind. I read the board to him – but the man still plays like a pro. His poker instincts are unreal. If Mikey calls your raise, you’d better have it.
One of our tourists this week asked, “How can a blind guy play No Limit Hold’em?” I just smiled and said, “Stick around a few hands – you’ll see.”
Looking Ahead
I’m getting this blog up and running just in time for some summer action. Tourist season is peaking, and the tables are getting full. If you’re passing through Wyoming and want to play real poker in a saloon with good people and good food – we’ve got a seat for you.
Next week I’ll be writing about “How to Handle a Losing Night Without Losing Your Cool.” Because, let’s face it, we’ve all had them.
Until then, shuffle up, deal with kindness, and never slow roll.
– Yo