Re: Husband wife collusion comments (from one who knows)

Dave Hughes (didaho_-_AT_-_ix.netcom.com)
Thu, 11 Apr 1996 20:31:43 -0400

Leslie Schenkel wrote:
>
> >From reading much of the mail I see that there is some concern about
> playing with a husband and wife at the same table, ie Karen & Jessie. I
> have played with both but never at the same table so I can't comment on any
> stunts they may or may not pull. However, as many of you know my wife
> Leslie (Dave talking here) is a fairly competant holdem player and
> occasionally we will find ourselves at the same lower limit game while I
> wait for a bigger limit.
>
> Now under no circumstances do Leslie and I overtly collude. We don't flash
> signals to each other to reveal cards or that one of us has the nuts.
> However, I taught Leslie to play, I know her style intimately and can
> absolutely put her on a hand. And I'll be honest, I view OUR money as one
> big bankroll. And THAT'S where the danger lies playing a married couple.
> Because when I'm certain she has a monster hand and I have a drawing hand
> that could possibly win (even though the odds may not be right), I will
> pump up the volume and the last place you want to be is sitting between us.
> At the showdown I will always turn over my cards to reveal a legitimate
> hand, but you can be sure I wouldn't have played it that way if my wife
> hadn't been in the pot.
>
> Since we don't signal each other on the strength of each other's hand, I'm
> not even sure that my style of play is technically or ethically wrong.
> However since it is not how I usually play and I don't like playing with
> Leslie anyway, I get the first available seat change or higher limit game
> that becomes available.
>
> My advice is to stay away from any game where a husband-wife combo are
> playing unless they are both fish. Even if they don't overtly team up
> there are subltle differences to they way they are likely to play when they
> are both in a pot that can make it difficult for you.
>
> David
>

Thanks for your honesty, I wish more players would admit this natural
tendency toward "collusion". It becomes a real issue in games where
folks are regulars. I feel this is even a problem when the married folks
who don't play well play in the same game on a regular basis.

--Dave