Established in Italy!

Since arriving in Italy I've played in a few home games. All have been fun, but none have been close to the game in Japan. The game was, and assume still is, a pretty remarkable game. The level of play exceeds the level of play that is found in most middle stakes casino games. The professionalism of the game is also phenomenal! Needless to say, I really miss the game. I've considered flying back to Japan twice a month for the game, but I'd have to win every tournament and take every chip in the cash game to break even... and that isn't realistic for anyone. So, my other option is to try to recreate Ryan's game here in Italy. In fact, this blog site is pretty much a copy of Ryan's.

So, step one is to build a table (if you build it they will come). I've ordered and received all the supplies needed. Today I am heading up to the hobby shop to begin construction, and I will post updates and pics of the table. I decided to go with the suited cloth, even though I prefer the feel of velveteen or poker felt.

Step two is to get a good set of chips. Well, lucky for me my wife handled that for me. For Christmas she gave me a home poker player's dream--1,430 Paulson National Poker Series chips and 10 plaques!! Also on the way, 4 decks of Kem!

Step three, build a player pool. Already well on it's way. With the arrival of one of the "Japanese" players--J. Herring--I have one guy who knows were the game can go. I also have a lot of guys I work with that like to play, and more from the people I've met at other home games. The only problem, every tourney around here seems to be a $20 freeze-out and cash games are virtually non-existent. The first tourney I run will have to be a $20 re-buy, with a cash game to follow. I think once people learn the beauty of a ring game they will be willing to welcome it into their regular poker schedule.

On a closing note, I would like to say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Although a few of us were around since the beginning of the Japan game, it was/is essentially Ryan's game. So I'd like to use Ryan's game as the standard and hopefully this game will measure up to the game in Japan. Kudos to Ryan for setting up a great game!!!!!

Stay tuned for more info.