Poker – Not
just a Man's Game Anymore: Womens Poker Club
13 April 2004
(PRESS RELEASE) -- Most often underestimated by their male competitors,
women in poker are a growing force to be dealt with, and women are
entering the poker field at a rapidly growing pace. This is due
in part to tv's coverage of the world series of poker, where the
travel channel has reported that approximately one-third of their
viewers are women.
Many women, particularly those starting out in poker, feel intimidated
when they are first learning the game. This is escalated by the
response of some of the men at the tables. There are a good number
of male players that discriminate against females who enjoy poker.
No matter how good a player may be, they feel that women will never
be able to play this male dominated sport. Many male players don't
take female players very seriously, and don't believe a woman would
dare bluff. With more women entering and placing in international
poker competitions each year, let them think that way. The more
experienced women players know how to use this way of thinking at
the tables to their advantage.
Maryann Morrison, has opened a club exclusively for women poker
players who want to learn to be better players by competing against
other women in a more comfortable and friendly environment. The
Womens Poker Club at http://www.womenspokerclub.com, was created
to encourage mentor coaching, and holds league and tournament play
for women only. Opened in March 2004, the club is free to join and
welcomes women poker players of any rank from beginners to professionals.
"Online you are allowed the anonymity to be anyone you want
to be, which is one of the reasons why online poker is becoming
increasingly popular among female players. Some women in the club
have played online using male nicknames or masculine avatars to
help balance their treatment while playing." Said Morrison.
Amy Zupko, a member of the Womens Poker Club and a stay at home
mother of three, sums up her experience this way "I signed
up for the Womens Poker Club as soon as I found out about it. It
is great to be able to play against other women. No offense guys!
I found that when playing poker against men, you have to earn their
respect before they consider you a real player. I find that when
it comes to a show down, men will always try to bully me. Once I
call their raises a few times, they get the message that I can't
be pushed around. I also find that this is a great time to bluff.
Men don't seem to think that women can bluff. Trust me, guys, we
have been bluffing you about how much money we have spent at the
mall for years, we are the champs!"
"Womens Poker Club's primary goal is to encourage more women
to play poker. It's important that female players have an environment
that is collegial and comfortable for them to concentrate on improving
their skills in actual competition. This allows them to feel at
ease playing in any environment and brings more business, more bets,
more games at the tables, and everybody's happier." Adds Morrison.
Womens Poker Club tournaments and games are currently played online,
although there are plans to have land-based events later this year.
The response to the club has been overwhelming with 400 members
signing up in the first month. Membership includes a diverse group
of women such as doctors, mothers and daughters, business owners,
and stay at home moms, who all share a love of the game of poker.
Morrison states "Playing online allows any member worldwide
to play against another member no matter where they are. Once the
women feel more comfortable in competition, they will be better
skilled and able to take on their male components. My own personal
goal is to see some of our members compete in the WSOP one day,
and I just know it's going to happen."
For more information visit the club website at:
http://www.womenspokerclub.com
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