Category: Stories from the Rail
A variety of stories, thoughts, and anecdotes that do not fit into any other category. These pieces, written by poker players tend to be lighter but enjoyable reads for those who wish to learn about the world of poker at both a more macro and micro view.
Bluffing is, by far and away, the most iconic and exciting part of poker. Great bluffs appear in every depiction of the game, from TV shows like Poker After Dark to Hollywood movies like Casino Royale and Rounders. There’s no better feeling than a well-executed bluff, and the technique has been in the game since […]
The next morning, Sofia arrived at Saskia’s salon feeling like she had stepped from one world into another. The neon of Glitter and the gloom of the Serfs from the night before had been replaced by bright daylight. Sun streamed through the windows into Saskia’s salon. Mercifully, it was empty, so Sofia accepted a cup […]
I started playing poker in 2018 and began streaming on Twitch in 2021 under the name “UnleqitPsycho”. Hailing from Cologne, Germany, I am currently 22 years old and I love playing poker. I usually play Multi Table Tournaments in the low- to mid-stakes range and was looking for a challenge. In collaboration with my stream, […]
‘What are you doing here?’ Sofia asked Peter Serf over the din of the music. The nightclub was at its most raucous, the midnight hour aglow with neon lights that seemed to be amplified by the reflections from the mirrored walls. Loud dance music thumped from the speakers that were dotted around the dance floor. […]
‘It’s never easy to win a game of heads-up poker.’ Ivan Angelov slurred. He had way more chips than Dimitar, but the bouncer and barman seemed to grow in the jacket he had been wearing since the sixth level of play. At his side, Elena smiled encouragingly at him. She had only been dancing at […]
The players who had been sitting at the poker table jumped out of their seats as the explosion of gunfire filled the large room with a deafening noise. Sofia looked up in the direction of the blast to see one of the waitresses from Glitter in the doorway holding a long black rifle, the smoke […]
The dealer counted out the chips as Miguel kicked his chair away in disgust, looking angry as Carlos had been. Sam was sure he had the most chips, even if it was just by a few thousand, but he sat motionless, waiting patiently to be declared the winner of the €3,400 top prize. Miguel strode […]
The last eight players assembled at Casino Barcelona for the final table. The evening had been a bust at the felt for Antonio, but Sam’s words had kept him on the rail with a drink in hand. The host of last night’s private game watched the drama unfold while a curious smile played on his […]
The start of the weekly poker tournament at Ivan Angelov’s mansion was always a busy one. Players often went on the attack in the first couple of hours, knowing that they could rebuy and enjoy the atmosphere and free drinks that their host always provided. He loved it too. Angelov may not have been liked […]
Carlos remained on his feet, but the three policemen moving in his direction took the wind out of his sails. Everyone was watching to see where they would end up. As it happened, they weren’t bound for Carlos, but veered right to Sam’s table. They walked past Sam arriving at the table where Mo and […]
I was introduced to the world of poker a few years after the man with the perfect name and perfect story became the 2003 WSOP Main Event champion. Having never deposited any money of my own, I started the journey with a free bankroll offered by an affiliate site that I found randomly while browsing […]
A day later, the stage was set. The sun was dying in the sky when the dozen players arrived at the Angelov mansion. Sofia had spent the day thinking a lot about the death of Georgi. There was no random element to his death. He was a strong swimmer. He worked deep in the city, […]
