Comments on: Poker Tournament Scene in 1980 by Linda Johnson

By: Gerry Klawitter

Gerry Klawitter — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:10:30 +0000

Having played in some tournaments back in the late 70′s. I can say Linda is right on as usual.

By: Russ Scott

Russ Scott — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:59:13 +0000

As always, Linda, an excellent piece of storytelling! Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

After 50 years of playing, I’ve noticed that another big change is the acceptance of the game generally and, in particular, the improved status of poker players in society. Oh sure, plenty of political and religious extremists still consider us lowlifes and try to change us in their image. But, way back when, the general atmosphere caused us to feel as if we were breaking every rule in the book when we secretly gathered for home games. We were, of course, breaking written law but I like to think of us as trendsetters for the nation’s best (well, second best) indoor pastime.

Keep up the good work and best of luck in 2010!

By: Nancy R.

Nancy R. — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:05:11 +0000

Linda, you have done more for poker fairness by creating some of the best rules ever!! Many of us ladies and I’m sure men too would never play poker today if the OLD DAYS still existed. Thank you for another great article. I too miss my poker friends from the past.

By: Kellie Costa

Kellie Costa — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:06:16 +0000

I love the articile and also did not know such changes that were made in the poker world. I love the game and thank you for paving the road for us. It is woman like you Linda who have inspired me to love the game of poker.

thank you for all the hard work you do…

By: Janice

Janice — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:31:33 +0000

Thanks for the article Linda. I guess for once I’m glad I wasn’t around for the good old days. I also appreciate the people like you and Jan who participated in Poker’s cleanup.

By: Linda Johnson

Linda Johnson — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:24:01 +0000

Juli,
You asked if I really missed the good old days. I certainly don’t miss the smoke and the abuse, but what I do miss is the feeling of community where everyone knew everyone else.
Linda Johnson

By: Randi Levenbaum

Randi Levenbaum — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:34:33 +0000

I wonder what you’ll say about today’s tournaments in 30 years?

By: Juli Sobka

Juli Sobka — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:34:11 +0000

Linda, as always I enjoyed your article. But I really have to ask. Do you really miss those good old days? I know the older we get, we seem to think things were better in the old days, when we ran in and out of our friends houses, kids played outside all day, etc. etc. but really, even though I am old enough to clearly remember the 80′s (although I was playing cards since the 50′s, it was in home games), I don’t think I would remember smoke in my lungs and a lot of men yelling at me with fond memories.

No, I want to Thank you and all the players like you who have given us all the GOOD changes.

By: Cheryl Logsdon

Cheryl Logsdon — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:43:49 +0000

Wow! I am glad I got a late start in the game. Sounds like the Wild West back then. Fun read!

By: David Lamb

David Lamb — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:36:07 +0000

I enjoyed the very accurate summary of changes Linda identifies in this article. I like her writing style, it is if I am seated at the poker table as she talks about events and circumstances that touch us all.