The He Said, She Said of Poker

The He Said, She Said of Poker.

Chips, cards, tempers and tampons all flew at this year’s World Series of Poker. Yes Tampons. I’m sure Benny Binion is rolling in his grave at just the thought of the spectacle that occurred during the Ladies Event at this years 2010 WSOP, where not only was a tampon used as a card protector, but for the first time in the history of the Ladies Event, a man took home the grand prize. What is the world of poker coming to? While I don’t choose to give the male event crashers any more attention than they have already received, it does bring up the sensitive subject of women in poker. Is there a place for women in the male dominated game, and if so, why aren’t more women playing?

Women who play the game will tell you that their first time at the table usually isn’t an easy one. Poker tables filled with 97% of high adrenaline and testosterone charged males are not typically the most welcoming group, unless of course they think of you as an easy target. Even then, the welcome is a sarcastic one and the conversation is one only a sailor’s mother could love. It is definitely not a game for the easily intimidated, which perhaps is the reason most women do not prefer the confrontation that the game provides. The alternative, of course, is to play in a more comfortable atmosphere, among a field of only women. Poker pros like Vanessa Rousso fully support and encourage women only leagues and events, explaining that the game is challenge enough by itself without adding the condescending atmosphere most poker rooms and poker players impress upon it’s female counterparts. Playing in an all women event provides a window of opportunity for the more timid, yet talented, women players. Most who participate in these female only games boast that it is not only an incredible atmosphere to play poker, but a social hour with mutual respect. This is quite the opposite of what you will find in your local poker room. The issue however, is whether or not these segregated events help or hurt the reputation of women in the game. Does it encourage a strong following among women in a game dominated by men, or does it portray women as the weaker player, only having the guts to play in a somewhat leveled playing field?

Recently, the self proclaimed “Best Female Poker Player in the World”, Annie Duke blogged about this very issue, more specifically the ladies event in the WSOP, discussing whether or not women should be allowed to have their own event separate from the men. Contrary to most assumptions, Duke was against the WSOP event, claiming that women who play female only events added to the belief that women can’t compete against men in poker. The sum of her blog was simply that poker was a game of the mind, not a game of the sexes, therefore, men and women perform at the sport equally well, leaving no room for men only, or women only tournaments. It was as if she was implying that the women who play female only events were hiding from the “mean men poker players” and showing weakness in a game where aggression is everything. PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu was quick to fire back, not only personally attacking Duke for her self proclaimed title of “Best Female Poker Player” but siding with the women who play in the event, stating that there is a Seniors Only event, a Casino Employees Only event, and as such, a Ladies Only Event is absolutely no different. He went on to point out that Duke seems to believe in full equality of the game but intends to claim herself as the best FEMALE poker player in the world instead of just plain put Best Poker Player.

Ok, the gloves are off! What are your thoughts and where you stand on the issue?