There is one game where the older a player gets, the more he improves -- and that is poker.
Now some would argue that the mental powers of a younger player would make his skills superior to someone who has played the game for three or four decades. Oklahoma Johnny Hale would respectfully disagree with them.
Oklahoma Johnny considers himself one of the luckiest people in the world. He is the seventh son of a seventh son, and in folk lore that counts for a lot.
Hale recently celebrated his 90th birthday and age has taken a toll on him. But a few years sago, he saw the need for promoting poker to players over the age of 50 -- the senior citizens of poker. And out of that concept grew the annual Senior World Series of Poker, better known as Seniors Week.
I have never taken into consideration the age of the people I am playing against, whether it is a cash game or a tournament. I do know some of the older players are harder to beat. They have more instinct, more moves that have been polished by age. And they are always hard to beat.
The Golden Nugget, a beautiful casino in downtown Las Vegas, will host the second annual Seniors Week No. 2 series of tournaments from June 15 to June 20.
Players over 50 will receive special room rates as well as other amenities. Just email Johnny at OklaJohnny@aol.com or visit www.Oklahomajohnnyhale.com for the full picture of what to expect.
Johnny and his wife, Carol, are also heavily involved in the Senior Charities which benefit older poker players in a number of sponsored events.
Satellite tournaments have been underway at the Golden Nugget from May 1 to enable seniors to win their entry fees into the main tournament events. In order to participate, you must have a 24k select club card. For more information on how to get the card, email Johnny Hale or visit his website.
Here is a list of the events Hale will sponsor during Seniors Week:
On Thursday, June 15, starting at 11 a.m., a Seniors Championship No Limit Hold'em tournament will be held for players 50 and over. The buy-in is $360, plus $10.
Saturday, June 17 at 11 a.m., a Seniors No Limit Hold'em tournament for seniors will be held. Buy-in is $250, plus $10.
Saturday, June 17 at 4 p.m., Oklahoma Johnny will host the Seniors Super High Roller event with a buy-in of $1,000, plus $40.
Sunday, June 18, day two of the Seniors Super High Roller Tournament will take place.
On Monday, June 19, at 11 a.m., a Super Seniors event for players 60 and over will be held. The buy-in for this tournament is $250, plus $10.
On Tuesday, June 20 at noon, the Seniors Choice tournament for players 50 and over will be staged. Buy-in is $250, plus $10.
Johnny has been ailing because of problems with the old ticker. But this remarkable poker legend has a lot of fight in him and I would not be at all surprised to see him at his best in these events, since he is a player as much as a promoter. Just the sight of Oklahoma Johnny in his familiar red and white outfit, along with the white baseball cap, is enough to gladden the heart.
For special hotel room rates, call 1-800 634 3454 and mention code Poker 17. You might also tell them you heard about the tournament on LatestPokerBonuses.com.
You might also wish Johnny good luck with his new book. Although he has already published a book about his life and poker career, he is writing another one to reveal all his winning secrets. His life has been colorful and his accomplishments have been most impressive.
Good luck and let the games begin.
Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).
