TOM BOYLE

Weblog: Playing his cards right . . . some of the time

Poker videos set to keep the peace this Christmas

Christmas is very definitely on the way.

I'm working up to the 22nd of December this year so the full impact of the build up hasn't quite set it for me yet. I did get a taster this weekend at the Racing Post's Canary Wharf HQ where the subterranean shopping centre was filled with stalls offering face painting for toddlers, among other 'treats', to lure shoppers into spending. There was not much that was Dickensian about that December scene . . . mind you an above-ground temporary ice-rink does redress the balance.

In recent weeks I've rediscovered a passion for the classic word-game Scrabble. Who could knowspelling could be such fun? I suspect it will be a staple over the next fortnight - as will the arguments over the validity of some 'words' involving high-scoring letters that happen to run over the triple-word multiplier.

The simple games are the best at this time of year and I suspect playing cards will get rare airings in many households. I put card games into the samecategory as jokes, the crucial elements of both are easily forgotten.

Poker, often played with matchsticks or copper coins for stakes, will be popular but there are sure to be plenty of rows as players dispute whether a flush beats a straight or battle over whose turn it is to bet.

In a bid to ensure this Christmas remains the season of goodwill the Racing Post Poker team have filmed a series of Texas Hold'em tutorials which we hope will be useful to the novice and entertaining for the regular player. Either way they should help to keep the peace.

The first video is available on RPTV now.

Just remember . . . play nicely.