New poker rules in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic – Tampa Bay Times

Times Correspondent

Gary Joerres, a retired restaurant owner, missed the Derby Lane Poker Room during the shutdown caused by the coronavirus. The St. Petersburg resident is a regular at the Texas hold em tables at the Poker Room, which opened with a limited capacity May 20. Joerres, 69, plays about five days a week and has for 15 years or more. His tip for not going broke, he says, is to limit the amount youre willing to lose. Joerres said he likes Derby Lanes measures against the virus, including checking the temperature of everyone, requiring masks and restricting the number of players at tables.

So youre happy to see the place again.

Exactly We didnt think it would be two months. We thought maybe it would be 10 days or two weeks. We knew it was serious, but we never knew it was this serious.

Did you get up any games with friends at home during the shutdown?

Nobody really wanted to get out and about and get together like that. Its something youve got to be very serious about. Theres still a lot of people dying; we definitely dont want to be one of them. We can always play cards. We dont want to rush into it.

Is this a hobby, or is this the way you make a living?

Oh, no, Im not a professional. I just like to have fun.

Whats the best hand youve ever had?

A royal flush (the highest hand) How many times? In spades, twice, but Ive had other royal flushes. I had clubs, hearts matter-of-fact Ive had all four of them already ... I just had a straight flush a little while ago, a nine, 10, jack, queen and king of clubs.

What is largest pot youve ever had?

The largest one? It was that spade royal thing about three grand.

How long do you stay?

If Im having a good time, Ill play four, five, six hours. If Im not having a good time, Ill get up and leave in an hour and a half Just not my day. Why stay and give money away?

(Interviewed another day.) I stayed almost seven hours today didnt have to reach into my pocket once. I was quite happy

How much did you win?

Almost a thousand.

Your system is to fold hands that you dont have confidence in.

You could play every hand, but you could, like, just give money away. A bad hand you dont play. But people do. Believe me, I saw them today.

When you hit something like a $1,000 day, do you go celebrate at Berns Steak House?

I go out for a steak, but maybe not to Berns. Thats (near) downtown Tampa. I live the opposite way.

Does wearing a mask help with the poker face?

Id have to say definitely. The poker face would definitely (be helped) with the mask. Some people walk in with that, and Ive been playing with them for years, and I go, Is that you? It really covers everything up but the eyes.

Can you tell by looking at fellow players expressions whether they have a good or bad hand?

Sometimes you cant; sometimes you can. Some people have a little give-away. Youve just got to watch them a little bit. And some people are really good at it and dont give anything away.

How are you at it?

I try to be steady. Like I mentioned earlier that big royal flush, you dont get up and get excited. You just try to keep that way all the time.

What is your usual game pot?

It could be 20 bucks sometimes. Sometimes it could be 200 bucks (if) you get some aggressive players at the table.

How much does it cost to get in the game?

The $1-$2 (ante) game $60.

You say you feel comfortable playing now because of Derby Lanes precautions?

Very much. Thats what I like. Also, they have cashiers that run around and take care of dealers with change and get people stuff. And when theyre not busy, theyve got a towel and a spray bottle in their hands, wiping things down. Someone gets up from a chair, they wipe down the chair and the table in front of them before the next player sits down. I like that a lot.

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New poker rules in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic - Tampa Bay Times