Jena Delk’s Blog

There has been much debate about Ladies only events in poker. I understand there can be strong feelings for both sides of the debate. You hear many of the same arguments over and over.

Here’s one you may not have considered:

Ladies only events bring women into the casino. These gals enjoy playing poker. Before and after each event you see a substantial increase of women playing cash. Give them what they are looking for—a good time at the table. They will open their wallets for you. So quit complaining the ladies events are sexist, and enjoy the benefit$. Don’t spoil the fun by crashing the events.

Ladies events are positive EV for poker in general.  They bring BEGINNERS (aka fish) to the game.  These are the players you want to join you at the tables.  For some ladies, the ladies event is the only way they will venture into the casino to play poker, because it feels safe to them.  I am begging you guys to leave them alone.

Internet young guns, stop sulking in your hoodie and smile at that gal sitting next to you. She is probably intimidated and could use a friend. Help her to feel comfortable.  Let her know how things work in the game, if she seems unsure. Always acknowledge someone who speaks to you.  You spend way too many hours in your cocoon anyway. 

Men who have wives, who don’t understand all the hours at the tables, should bring their lady along for a weekend of spa, shopping, and poker. Have her bring along a couple of friends. She will be so busy have fun that there will be no time to nag you. Hopefully she will find the experience so much fun that she will pick up the game. Once she is playing regularly her daily nagging allowance will be sharply decreased. There is one drawback; she may become a better player than you!!

Tournament Directors: Please add a male only event to occur at the same time as the Ladies Events.

There is one aspect to being a lady professional poker player that may not come to mind when considering the gender differences in poker. Let’s set aside the differences in the game itself and focus on the business side.

The ladies often have higher travel expenses. In the world of poker, guys pile three or more guys in a room and split the cost several ways. This results in a much lower cost per day. I very often have to bear the entire cost of lodging by myself. If a lady player has a bed available in her room, can she ever offer a male player the extra bed? Will it be assumed that sex would be involved? Or just hanging out? Should you find a guy who is capable of seeing a room sharing arrangement for what it really is (money savings) what will be the perception of others? Will this sort of arrangement damage her image? This does not even begin to address potential safety issues of sharing a room with a poker acquaintance.

I was with a group of guys last week discussing poker and life in general. It was a relaxing time and everyone seemed comfortable with each other. After a while another female poker players name came up. The guys started immediately bashing her, saying that she is just a tease. I explored this with the guys and learned that she mostly earned this image by going out with a group of the guys and saying no to their advances. Each one told how they hit on her and was struck down. These guys assumed that if a girl when somewhere with them, that they had a right to hit on the gal. Really? Come on guys! Think about how much time you spend with your buddies while playing poker and realize us girls need social time too!