Discover how Sydney I. turned a tricky poker session in Venice into an unexpected win.
It’s funny how sometimes the days you walk into a poker room with no expectations are the ones that turn out to be the most unforgettable. I found myself in Venice, Italy, this past week — a dreamy city known more for its canals and romantic gondola rides than its poker scenes. But as someone who tries to blend a love of travel with my passion for poker, it was inevitable that I’d end up at the Casino di Venezia, the oldest gaming establishment in the world.
The game of choice was Texas Hold’em, and the night was setting in as I joined a lively table. The mix was typical — a couple of tourists, a few regulars who knew each other’s play better than they probably knew their own families, and then me, the wandering enthusiast, always trying to pick up new tricks and tells.
Early on, the game felt off to me. Maybe it was the jet lag or just the intimidating atmosphere of playing in such a historic casino, but my initial hands weren’t promising. My reads were shaky, and I couldn’t seem to connect with the flop. But in poker, as in life, things can turn on a dime.
Halfway through the evening, I was dealt a hand that most wouldn’t bat an eye at — a 9♥ and a 7♠. Not exactly a powerhouse. The flop came down A♠, 8♥, 6♦. With an inside straight draw, I decided to stick around, mainly to see if the turn would be my savior. And sure enough, the 10♦ hit on the turn, giving me the straight. It was a quiet sort of victory inside my head, trying not to let my smirk betray the sudden upswing in my confidence.
The river was a benign 2♣, and it was down to the wire. I put in a sizable bet, half expecting to be called out by a lurking Ace. But as the chips clinked and the cards were flipped, it turned out my modest straight held up against a pair of Aces and a set of sixes. It was the kind of moment that makes all the previous misfires worth it.
As the night wore on, I felt my earlier unease slip away, replaced by a rhythm in tune with the clattering of chips and the soft shuffle of cards. The table talk was a mix of Italian and English, peppered with the kind of good-natured ribbing you find in poker rooms across the world. I didn’t catch all the jokes, but the laughter was universal. It’s moments like these when I remember why I chase these experiences around the globe.
I managed to stack up a decent amount of chips as the game progressed. Each hand taught me a bit more about my opponents — who was bluffing, who played too conservatively, and who was the reckless gambler.
Despite a couple of setbacks — including a bad beat when my flush was beaten by a full house — I ended the night on a high note, both metaphorically and literally. Walking away from the table, my pockets were heavier than when I’d arrived, and so was my spirit.
Reflecting on the evening as I sipped a late-night espresso at a small café overlooking the Grand Canal, I realized the true win wasn’t the pile of chips I’d exchanged back into euros. It was the affirmation that every table, every city, every game is a new chapter in my poker story. And whether it’s a win or a loss, there’s always a hand that teaches you something new, a player who pushes you to sharpen your strategy, or a moment that simply makes you fall in love with the game all over again.
Tonight, it wasn’t just about how to win at poker; it was about enjoying the game, learning from the diverse playing styles, and adapting to whatever cards come your way. That’s a mindset I plan to keep, no matter where the next game takes me.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
