We also go over this week’s home game results and discuss these topics:
How to help us out – https://rec.poker/support/
Home Games – https://rec.poker/homegame/
Go Premium! – https://rec.poker/premium/

Find our free videos at: http://youtube.com/c/RecPokerCommunity

Join the Discord group here: https://discord.gg/9aYSMCCfpv

Find more info on our sponsors at:
https://RunAces.com
https://WebsiteAMP.com

RecPoker is a vibrant and encouraging poker learning community. We are committed to learning the game, but our priority is building healthy relationships where we can not only grow in the game, but grow in our enjoyment of life. The free membership website at rec.poker is awesome, but it’s just a tool to help us build that community. You can join for FREE, giving you access to the groups, forums, and other member benefits. If you want to enjoy the premium content, or become part of the RECing Crew, those options are available, and you can get $10 off your first payment using the code RECPOKER. Music by Peter Troolin, [email protected].

Time Stamps

Growth of women in poker is difficult to quantify, however, as most tournament operators do not provide gender breakdowns.

The World Series of Poker hosted 95 live tournaments in the summer of 2023, with several dozen more online. The WSOP Online contingent never provides gender breakdowns. The WSOP’s live series is hit or miss. In 2022, I received the number of male and female players in the Main Event and for the entire live series. This year, I asked for both but only received the Main Event number. That makes it very difficult to gauge progress – or lack thereof – for women in poker.

Since the Main Event number is something that the WSOP provides year after year, we can see the trends with women in that $10K buy-in tournament.

First, let’s look at the actual number of women in the WSOP Main Event in each of the last six years. The number itself grew consistently prior to the pandemic, dropped in 2021 (during the F-it-lets-try-it-despite-Covid-wear-a-mask year), and then jumped back into place in 2022. This year, there were 395 women in the Main – 20 more than last year.

From a different angle, we can see the percentage of women was on a solid upward trajectory… until this year. Even in the unusual 2021 circumstances, the percentage of women grew in relation to the overall field. Growth slowed a bit last year and then dropped this year. The record-setting WSOP Main Event attendance left the percentage of women to fall 0.4%.

• Good news? More women played the Main in 2023.
• Bad news? A lower percentage of women played the Main in 2023.

Polling the Public

When Joey Pigtails asked what can be done to positively impact the number, I decided to ask women.

Great question. Women who play…what would make you more interested in playing the $10K Main next year? (Money and time, obv, but what could be done to make it feel accessible?) https://t.co/xegSnRNFyN

— Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen) July 13, 2023

I tracked the answers on Twitter, and I asked the same questions in two popular women’s poker groups on Facebook. I received hundreds of responses, most public but some private.

A Lot of Money

Most women in poker are not full-time professionals, and very few play at the highest buy-in levels of the game. While the WSOP Main Event is not often considered a high-stakes tournament, it does require a $10K buy-in. That is, in fact, a lot of money for one tournament.

That was the most common theme from women’s responses: They can’t afford a $10K buy-in.

These were the most common comments, paraphrased:

• My bankroll doesn’t justify a $10K buy-in.
• If/when I have $10K, I’d rather play more events with smaller buy-ins.
• The WSOP Main is a bucket list item, not a realistic or justifiable expense.

There were other big concerns as well.

• I can’t afford the 7-10 day trip to Vegas.
• If I have to choose between Ladies Week and the Main, I choose Ladies Week.
• I can’t get away from work/family/children for 7-10 days.
• Taxes on winnings for Europeans and Canadians are prohibitively high.
• I don’t like the idea of playing in a male field with 4% or less women.

It’s important to note that time is a factor in the WSOP Main Event like in no other poker tournament. There are four starting flights and two “Day 2” iterations before players combine. And the money bubble may burst late on Day 3 or – like this year – into Day 4. Even if a player competes in Day 1D, they would need to book a six-day stay just to ensure they could play into the money and not have to worry about flight changes until they ran deep enough into the payouts that an airline fee wouldn’t be a second thought. Add on travel days to the beginning and end, and a player could be away from home for 7-8 days at a minimum to play one tournament.

Solutions Abound

Women were quick to include suggestions for ways to solve some of the above issues.

Since the primary hurdle to playing the Main Event is the buy-in itself, the most common suggestion was more satellites. That broke down into a variety of ideas:

• More low (less than $1K) buy-in satellites like step satellites
• More satellites outside of Las Vegas – across the US and around the world
• More online poker satellites
• Home game leagues with money contributed weekly/monthly to a Main Event seat
• Ladies-only satellites
• Satellites at WSOP Circuit event stops
• More satellites through women’s organizations like FLIP, WPA, PLON, etc.
• Some satellite wins that include money for travel expenses and accommodations
• More staking opportunities

Poker League of Nations (PLON) was quick to note that they offered satellites for women to win their way to the Main Event. PLON also offers staking opportunities via its Facebook group.

Staking has been offered on various terms. Some are shared investments (typically going back to the staking fund to support #MoreWomen), or at varying percentages, some are 100% to the player! Depends on who’s offering the staking, and what agreement is in any particular case.

— PokerLeagueOfNations (@PokrLeagNations) July 14, 2023

Some women noted that those who are newest to the game may not be familiar with all of the different women’s groups in poker, nor do they have the time to peruse long Facebook threads or scroll Twitter. They don’t know about staking opportunities, how to organize home games live or online, or how to find the online poker sites that offer sanctioned satellites. Some don’t even know how satellites work and why they are so popular.

Mo Problems, Fewer Solutions

There are, of course, issues for which there are no easy solutions.

First, an oft-mentioned concern is the sexism and misogyny still present in poker. Obviously, this is a problem the world over, well beyond poker, but it is more pronounced when women are such a minority at the tables. When a woman knows that she will likely be the only woman at her table at any given time, it can decrease the desire to play that event.

Further, if women are not confident that any sexism or harassment will be met with swift consequences by the tournament staff, it further deters women from wanting to play.

Second, there is the high tax for players from the European Union and Canada, among other parts of the world. For example, Canadian women mentioned a 30% tax off the top of any winnings exceeding $5K, which would be a min-cash in the Main Event. Add to that a plethora of paperwork to apply for some of that money to be reimbursed in the next year or more, plus an unfavorable exchange rate for US currency for everything from hotel to buy-ins, and it becomes a complicated, prohibitive mess.

I know many Canadian women who came down for the Series and I’m not sure why I never thought about the exchange rate…but it’s not $10k to them! If money is a barrier, so is exchange rate. They told me they really had to choose wisely due to that. pic.twitter.com/xVDPS4EVs2

— Malia Miranda (@JMaliaMiranda) July 13, 2023

Third, there is the loneliness that can accompany a journey to Las Vegas and playing the Main Event. If a woman does not have a family member who can afford to also make the trip to Vegas or if the woman has no poker-playing friends, the journey through the Main Event can be a lonely one.

Finally, comments from women expressed a need for child care references in Las Vegas, more education about staking and satellites, a forum to connect with women for traveling in pairs or groups, and online poker satellites in parts of the USA and world that have no WSOP-affiliated options.

There are some groups in poker that address some of these issues, with the exception of child care and online poker satellites. Some Facebook groups provide the space for women to network and connect. Pocket Queens is a group that focuses heavily on game education. PLON and WPA focus on community.

Women can find most of what they seek. However, there is trial and error in finding the right group with the right resources, the one(s) that will benefit them the most.

100%. Hard to believe QQ is just 1 year old, eh? Next year will be even more amazing, as the count down to WSOP 2024 begins today. Time to hit the lab, sisters! https://t.co/HDEWpE043k

— Victoria Livschitz (@VictoriaL_64) July 26, 2023

Perhaps, though, women will never flock to the WSOP Main Event in big numbers. They may stick to lower buy-in events and cash games. Some will always prefer women-only tournaments.

Time and the availability of resources will tell.

The standard tips that apply to everyone are relatively straightforward:

• Make reservations early and use discount codes where possible.
• Plan to bring food to the WSOP or pay sometimes-outrageous prices for casino food.
• Make a tournament schedule, especially if wanting to play in other series besides the WSOP.
• Figure out bankroll limitations, prepare a trip budget, and know your tax implications for winnings.
• Stay healthy in the Las Vegas heat by hydrating and exercising.

These types of tips are all important – very important.

In addition, there are some tips that more specifically apply to women going to poker’s summer camp in Las Vegas this summer.

Tip #1: Dress comfortably and in layers

Every woman in poker is different with regard to styles and preferences. Some lean more toward jeans and t-shirts, while others want to wear their cute shoes and summer tops.

Keep in mind that a tournament day can be 14 or more hours long, taking into consideration registration and breaks. And at any casino, there will be a walk from parking to the poker room. In the case of the WSOP, there is also a walk from Paris’ ballrooms to the Horseshoe’s convention center. There will be quick walks to bathrooms on breaks, and there may be a rush to grab food during dinner breaks.

My advice: Opt for comfortable shoes.

Of course, it is summer in Vegas, which means temperatures outside can easily surpass 100° F. For any outdoor walking or activity of any sort, summer clothes are a must. However, casinos are notoriously cooler. And poker tournament rooms, such as the vast ballrooms of the WSOP, can be chilly, especially for those seated near an air conditioning vent.

My advice: Bring layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket. Don’t underestimate the power of a casino’s AC.

I was blessed recently to be able to interview 5 powerful, wonderful women in poker for my newest article on Cardplayer Lifestyle. (@PokerLifeMedia)
Thanks @Kyna_CooL, @chrisreadpoker, @abbypoker34, @FirstLadyPoker and Terry King!https://t.co/easCui4htc

— Christina Bradfield (@mauichri) November 14, 2022

Tip #2: Backpacks are better than purses

Purses are often a part of a woman’s style. The most stylish ones can also be small and impractical. For women who carry large bag-like purses, those might be enough for playing poker tournaments.

The best bet, however, is a backpack. Not only is it smart to pack an extra layer of clothes (see tip #1), it is beneficial (and budget-conscious) to carry water bottles and snacks. Add in a phone charger, a tablet and its charger, a book, headphones, mints or gum, and toiletries for freshening up midway through a very long day, and all of this adds up to the need for something more than a purse.

My advice: Find a backpack that fits your style and use it for poker days.

Tip #3: Make a plan

Every poker player should have a plan when they arrive in Las Vegas. Even locals have a plan to implement when the official summer of poker begins. There are dozens of tournaments on the WSOP schedule alone, not to mention series also happening at Wynn, Venetian, Aria, MGM Grand, Golden Nugget, and Orleans. There are also dailies and special events (such as Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival V) at casinos like Resorts World, South Point, and Bellagio.

To get the best value and play the tournaments that best suit one’s skills and budget, a plan is vital.

When making that plan, also consider the parking and/or transportation options for each location. Women must be more careful when determining the safest choices balanced with the most affordable ones.

Women traveling to and from casinos alone should know that parking garages do not always have security present, though it is possible to ask for a security escort or walk with a friend – or even a nice family that is going in your general direction. There is no shame in asking for company in lieu of walking alone.

Valets are available at casinos, but new rules in Las Vegas allow them to charge quite a significant sum for those services. Research those options before pulling up to a valet only to find out that it is reserved for hotel guests only or that it costs $30.

My advice: Have a plan, weigh the costs and safety of various forms of transportation, and never hesitate to ask someone for a walking or traveling partner.

Tip #4: Be alert

This tip is very much in line with tip #3, but it pertains to even more situations. Women walking alone can be targeted more frequently for scams, especially from someone asking for help. Women can also be targeted by general creeps by way of creepy behavior.

The world is what it is, but stay alert. When replaying a hand in one’s head on the way to dinner, stay alert. When on the phone with a poker coach walking from one casino to another, keep an eye on your surroundings.

The best option is always to walk in pairs or groups, but there’s a lot to be said for solitude after leaving a busy tournament area or poker room.

My advice: Stay alert at all times.

Tip #5: Consider alternatives to carrying cash

This mostly applies to poker players with larger bankrolls, but any poker player should be wary of carrying too much cash.

Of course, buying in to tournaments with credit or debit cards incur fees, and using some online services like Bravo can do the same. However, consider the worth of these services as an alternative to the dangers of carrying cash. Some people are perfectly comfortable with cash as their circumstances make it more feasible. If not, know that there are other options.

If carrying cash is a must, know that a casino employs security personnel for many reasons. Do not be afraid to ask for an escort to your rental car or to the valet. These are services that casinos should provide to keep their customers safe.

My advice: If carrying cash is a must, ask for a security escort.

Tip #6: Know your poker rights

Some women will be playing in a big tournament series or even cash games for the first time. There are intimidation factors for some, but one of the most daunting is not feeling sure about table or tournament rules.

Do a little research before sitting down at the tables. Read the tournament rules first so there is no question about raise sizing or the type of table talk that is permitted. The WSOP, for example, posts an updated set of rules ahead of its series. Those rules are based on the latest industry-wide rules posted by the Tournament Directors Association.

It’s important for all players to know poker rules. New players can erase a level of intimidation by knowing said rules, and women can know some ways to counteract men who might choose to harass them. Some important ones in tournament play are as follows, specific to the WSOP:

• Section IV, Rule 40c: All participants are entitled to expect civility and courtesy from one another at every table and throughout the WSOP area. Any individual who encounters behavior that is not civil or courteous – or is abusive in any way – is encouraged to immediately contact a WSOP tournament official.
• Section VI, Rule 116b: Participants are obligated to always protect the other participants in the tournament. Therefore, whether in a hand or not, participants may not advise or criticize play at any time.
• Section VI, Rule 119: Repeated etiquette violations will result in the imposition of penalties assessed by the tournament staff. Examples include, but are not limited to, unnecessarily touching other participants’ cards or chips, body, or clothing, delay of the game, repeatedly acting out of turn, betting out of reach of the dealer, or excessive chatter.

My advice: Know when you can ask the dealer to notify floor staff due to player harassment.

The next poker boom will happen when we as operators/players/enthusiasts make more women feel safe playing the game we all love. This is done by making sure the tables are always kept safe for all, respectful for all, diverse and inclusive of all.
Zero tolerance on any abuse.

— Sean McCormack (@ThePokerBoss) February 24, 2021

Tip #7: Know how to report abuse

Some women claim to have never experienced harassment when playing poker. Others have told tales of varying levels of harassment and abuse. It is important to know how to report abuse, should it occur.

The first person in the line of reporting is the dealer. Sometimes, however, a dealer may not have seen or heard the behavior in question or choose not to warn the offending player(s). In that case, a player can demand that the dealer call a floor manager. That individual can then rule on a situation or dispute and regularly does so to take the onus off the dealer, considering the dealer must continue to interact with all players at that table. In the case of an egregious offense, WSOP Vice President Jack Effel and has long been the WSOP Tournament Director and will make a final ruling.

Women should also know that there are security personnel located around any poker tournament area and in any casino in general. If feeling uneasy or uncomfortable for any reason, make note of the location of those security guards. Feel free to ask their advice or request assistance from them as well.

My advice:  Always report harassment and/or abuse. It is the only way to stop it.

Tip #8: Get to know other women in poker

The number of women in the overall game of poker remains small in proportion to the general poker population. Tournament poker continues to see only approximately 5% of fields represented by women. Cash games are more difficult to determine, but the number is typically in the single-digit percentage in any given poker room at any given time.

There are many great women in poker. Some are new, some are veterans of the game, and others might be recognizable names from televised poker, podcasts, or livestreams. Say hello. Ask around and see if there is a group of women doing the dinner break together. Exchange numbers to have a coffee or tea before the next tournament day. Engage with them in some way.

Broaden this community. It is the women of poker who will ultimately be responsible for growing our community, along with our presence at the tables and our influence within the industry.

My advice: Just say hi!

Happy International Women's Day to all the fierce, intelligent, and skilled women poker players here!
Remember that you belong at the table, and you have what it takes to become a legend.
Hit the PLAY button and enjoy this inspiring video.
Chips https://t.co/hSgftM1w70 pic.twitter.com/dUafgwE8W1

— WSOP_Game (@WSOP_Game) March 8, 2023

Tip #9: Ask other women

When it comes to finding out how to navigate the poker world in general, there is no better person to advise a woman than another woman.

Ask another woman for advice about the best tournaments or cash games, the poker rooms that best protect women, the safest parking garages, or the best allies in poker overall. Broaden those topics to ask other women for the best coffee recommendations or healthy food options or place to find a quiet moment.

Not only will a woman find the best path in poker by asking other women, but this dovetails nicely with tip #8 of simply getting to know other women in the game.

My advice: Simply ask women.

Importantly, this is a vital tip for men in poker, from players to top-level executives. When there are questions about women – how to encourage them to play, how to make them feel safe, find out if they prefer women-only or open events – ask women. It is far too common to see men pontificating on social media about topics that involve women, in poker and beyond. It seems like a logical step, but it has become clear that this must be repeated… often.

My advice: Talk to women.

Tip #10: Find the fun

Poker is a serious career for some players, but the vast majority of players – whether pros or semi-pros or recreationals – are at the tables to have fun. They want to enjoy the experience.

If a table is too serious, make a joke. If a table is abnormally quiet, say something. It doesn’t hurt to be proactive and encourage a fun atmosphere.

Poker has not endured and grown purely because of the potential to earn money or win a life-changing tournament. These are goals for many players, of course, but the game perseveres because it is an enjoyable and entertaining experience for most players. Every player can control how enjoyable and entertaining that experience is.

My advice: \ Have fun!

From the moment I entered the Encore, I was immediately surrounded by luxury and poker players. This was no Hawaiian Gardens back in the day (where if poker chips that stuck together had a smell, it would smell like that iteration of the HG). I looked out the window at topiary gardens flanking a pool, walls in a deep red, employees in purple jackets and sporting earpieces.

When I walked into the inaugural WPT meet-up-game at the Wynn hosted by (and the brainchild of) Jamie Kerstetter, I was excited, filled with anticipation. The day ended up lighting me up inside, to where a friend commented how happy I looked. I was, filled up by these women who were there, women who had won millions of dollars willing to teach women who were playing their first hand, women who cheered when someone won a prize (such as $1100 passport entries to a 2023 WPT event), women who were completely in their element without having to explain themselves. The support they gave each other, and just the FUN of it all.

These women ended up treating me to lunch (thanks Sammie G and AJ Rudolph!). Yes, I might have been laser-focused on the salad more than finally meeting Joey Ingram in person, something I truly doubt happens to him often. He was there supporting the event, among many others. I got to see Efi Litsou who came in 18th at the 2022 WSOP Main Event, get a hug and a smile. I got to meet Erin Lydon (President of Poker Power) and Tara Smith (President of the Women’s Poker Association) in person, as well as Veronica Brill, Sofia Lövgren and Katie Kopp. So many others, too, that now fill that part of my memories.

If the WPT keeps their initiatives up, this momentum, and the women in poker keep carrying it over from tournament to tournament, with advocates and companies committing as Jamie said “time, effort and money,” I’m so excited to see what 2023 has to offer. The turnout for the event has already shown what this “time, effort and money” can do.

The pandemic made me so grateful for the small things in life, especially the kindness of many of the poker community. For the humor and ridiculousness of poker Twitter. For Caitlyn Comeskey for being hilarious in her videos.

When women get together, one of the jokes is “what are you going to do? Pillow fights and lingerie?” Maybe some do that, but some play poker. Some want to be John McClane in the first Die Hard (until they find out they’re claustrophobic). Women who play poker already have courage; the courage to be different, the courage to walk and STAY in the room and play poker. The courage to get better, admit mistakes in their game, and the courage to see a player lick their fingers after eating buffalo wings dipped in ranch dressing and then touch their cards.

Let’s give that some context: I have never met Matt, but I have followed his career as Tournament Director closely.  I’ve also heard the stories; he is such a legend in the poker industry! I received a very nice and supportive direct message from him while hosting one of my events at home in Malta.  So then, after the tag, things progressed quickly and the WPT staff — thanks Cathy (Zhao) and Hermance (Blum)! — invited me to their WPT World Championship week in Las Vegas, happening right now.

This week sees a $200K Guaranteed WPT Ladies Championship added as part of their lineup of events. And this is to me where things get interesting; in all my years in the poker industry, I have never seen a poker brand pay SO much attention to showcasing events for ladies during the roster of tournaments. Normally Ladies’ events act as somewhat of a “marketing stunt” to bring in the ladies, with no prize pools guaranteed. By contrast, this one that the World Poker Tour is hosting even has a televised final table!

The WPT has made such an important effort, have awarded so many prize packages and WPT Passports to the event to ladies’ poker groups, to professional female players who have used their social media channels to award passports to other ladies.  I’ve witnessed the female poker industry unite like never before.

A Tough Decision

So, I want to tell you my story as a recreational player, as a poker mom. Being a poker mom is hard. As you all know, kids are not allowed inside casinos, so it is pretty much impossible to simultaneously both be with your kids and play a tournament. The hours are very long hours and you carry around a lot of guilt. Vegas? Mid-December? This is crazy.

I am missing an important week in my kids’ lives and they are still very young; however, everyone in my world is making this trip come true. I want to share my story so other women — other moms — can enjoy the pleasure that poker gives us.

There are so many opportunities now for women in poker. The future of poker is in women’s hands. I’ve said it many times before: every guy who wants to play poker online already has an account; women, by contrast, still need to get into this space and grow from a modest 5% of the player pool.

Due to patriarchalism, we women are trained to have a specific skillset and mindset. Things are changing, but there’s still so much to do. I still hear stories of women being berated at the tables. Poker gives you some FIRE, Sisters!

Poker Empowers Women

One magical night, a lady named Kristiana told me how after participating in one of the poker satellite tournaments I hosted, she went on afterwards to win a company poker event. Best feeling ever (not just for her!). We made her a shark; that feeling of finishing first place in a poker tournament — no matter how small the buy in — can be life-changing.

As far as my own poker playing experiences, I’ve got a story, too. I once went to play at my favorite local regular tournament — the Friday Shark at Malta’s Portomaso Casino — and I got sent home with the infamous “Vanessa Selbst vs. Gaelle Bauman” epic WSOP hand. In that same order, I get my pocket aces and they get totally cracked by quad sevens.

When you have the winning hand and only 1 card in the whole deck can change your destiny, it can sometimes be a very cruel game. Unlike Vanessa, I didn’t even see this coming and I couldn’t believe that the river displayed the one dreaded 7 that the villain needed to kick me out. But you need to get up, learn and move forward. The same holds true in life in general.

I have just landed in Las Vegas and I’m eagerly looking forward to meeting so many female industry leaders and male supporters, as well as to play in the WPT Ladies Championship.

My dream is to have a more inclusive, integrated, diverse poker experience for all at the poker tables. I want female players to get what they deserve. Our seats at the table should be earned with hard work, not exclusively via “marketing stunts” in detriment of the perception of my gender at the tables.

Thanks for reading my story; and I hope next year even more of us can gather together. Over the coming week, I’ll be continuing this miniseries of articles on Cardplayer Lifestyle to report on the absolutely incredible and unique events that are set to comprise the 2022 winter Women’s Week. Stay tuned.

The WPT is also focusing on its initiative of supporting women in poker, and is holding its very first WPT Ladies Championship, an $1,100 buy-in affair that will take place from December 16-18th and carry a $200,000 guaranteed prize pool. As an added bonus, the WPT Ladies Championship will be recorded to be televised at a later date.

Jamie Kerstetter will be hosting a WPT Ladies Meet Up Game in the middle of the Championship, on Saturday December 17th, from 11am-4pm at the Wynn Poker Room, with 11 dedicated tables for the MUG and a number of additional WPT giveaways on tap. Kerstetter is a venerated poker player and WSOP commentator, Creative Producer for WPT Global, and boasts total live tournament earnings of $764,958 according to the Hendon Mob. She helped co-host an extremely successful first-ever WPT MUG in July, with the WPT contributing over $10,000 in prizes. This event was also co-hosted by notable poker players Kristen Bicknell, Xuan Liu, Veronica Brill, and Ashley Sleeth, amongst others.

Ahead of the upcoming ladies-focused festivities, Jamie was kind enough to take the time and share with Cardplayer Lifestyle readers about her involvement with the WPT, the Ladies Meet Up Game, and her hope for the future of women in poker.

What does it mean for you to be involved, hosting and being the face of the upcoming WPT Ladies Meet Up Game this weekend at the Wynn? Especially after the roaring success of the last one held in July?

It means a lot that WPT took a chance on me for that first event. I have been told “no” quite a bit by other companies when I proposed some ladies’ outreach projects — sometimes when there is just no guarantee of immediate value it’s hard to get approval. For this second Ladies’ MUG, both WPT and Wynn gave a resounding yes, and I’m so excited to make an even better second event.

What were your expectations for the first MUG in July? It’s been said that you were really the person who made it happen. Why was it so important to you and how did it exceed your expectations? What was the atmosphere in the room like when it was happening?

My expectations for the first ladies’ MUG were to fill five tables and make it a fun and memorable introduction into poker for any newer female players who attended. It’s important to help women get over that one additional hurdle they may face when entering the live poker space — feeling intimidated in a male-dominated field. The event attracted over 100 women and MGM kindly utilized their entire poker room to accommodate the massive turnout. The atmosphere was loud and fun, and several players who had never played a hand of live poker before stayed well past the official end of the MUG, including the grandmother of popular poker vlogger Ashley Sleeth, who produced a great episode about the entire event.

There definitely felt like a shift in the movement and visibility of women in poker this past summer. It feels like it’s continuing to build with more and more groups supporting women in the game. How do we keep this momentum building and growing?

There have been those OG women’s groups that really trail blazed the movement, WPA and LIPS are just a couple that have been around for so long – we owe a lot to them. Newer groups like Poker Power and PLON, and international groups like Herzdamen Club and Globetrotting Poker Women are doing a lot of the legwork to keep it all moving forward.

WPT is tapping into these already established groups and providing them live opportunities at MUGs and special tournament events. WPT Global is giving them online freeroll opportunities to match these live efforts. WPT Global satellited two women into the World Championship in a one package guarantee (with an added free $12K package!) on top of giving away five seats to the $1,100 Ladies’ World Championship. Supporting these women’s groups with opportunities like this is how we assure female attendance at poker events continues trending in the right direction.

What’s it like to work with the WPT as their Creative Producer for WPT Global Poker? 

I am so fortunate to get to work with people passionate about growing the game in both the live and online platforms. Having the chance to boost other women by including them in content creation and also commentary roles is a huge perk of this job.

It’s amazing that the Wynn has dedicated 11 tables for this upcoming weekend’s event. What can people expect when attending this Meet Up Game? What type of games will be played?

People can expect to have a lot of fun, first and foremost. We will offer any type of game with which we can fill a table! Most of the tables will be $1/$3NL and $2/$5NL, but PLO and any mixed games or high stakes games are also on the menu if there is a demand.

We will have “mystery splash pots” to add excitement to the event – WPT has donated $5,500 in prizes that will be randomly added throughout the MUG to whichever table number is drawn.  Each envelope contains either a $100 Wynn gift card or an $1,100 WPT seat that the pot winner will open after showdown.

Are there any surprises or players we could expect to show up for the MUG on December 17th? Can any women attend, even if they’ve never played poker before?

There will be a lot of high profile members of the ladies’ poker community in attendance, including WPT’s own Lynn Gilmartin and newly minted Women in Poker Hall of Famer Angelica Hael. New players are strongly encouraged, as this environment will be a friendly, welcoming and fun introduction to the game.

Is this MUG especially meaningful being held while the WPT is having their inaugural WPT Ladies Championship with a $200,000 guarantee prize pool and $1,100 buy-in?

This whole series is an exciting step forward for women in poker. Having two major poker powerhouses like WPT and Wynn demonstrating with time, effort and money that they care about growing the game for us feels incredible.

Finally, where would you like to see the trajectory of women in poker go next year or in the future? What are you seeing that gives you hope in the future of women in poker?

I am looking forward to strengthening the WPT’s relationship with all of the ladies’ groups to further their own objectives for growing their communities. Walking into a poker room is vastly different now than when I started playing almost two decades ago; there are more women in every type of game including high stakes cash and high roller events. I want to help continue this trend so that women who want to try poker for the first time feel comfortable right away and see a path to the very top.

Popular poker player and podcaster Caitlin Comeskey, who herself is having a very successful year, commented about Jamie’s influence in poker and for her personally:

“I think many women in male-dominated fields fall victim to a natural toughness or hardening, but Jamie continues to lead with warmth and kindness year after year.” She reflects “she was one of the first people in poker to follow me and boost my content. I continue to be in awe of her power and genius and there’s no doubt in my mind… (that she’ll) continue to find ways to grow the game for women in empowering and creative ways.”

New Women in Poker Hall of Fame Class Awaits Enshrinement

In another celebration of women in poker, the Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) celebration and induction Ceremony, will be held Wednesday, December 14th at 10am in Las Vegas at the PokerGO studio. The demand to attend in person was so high that the event sold out. That said, there will also be a watch party ($10 charity donation to attend) at the Table ONE room in the Aria Poker Room, where fans and supporters can watch the event, with doors opening at 10:30am. After the ceremony the watch party attendees will be invited to meet and greet the 2022 inductees.

Angelica Hael one of these inductees, has been with the WPT for 13 years and is WPT’s VP of Global Tour Management and has also been awarded the GPI Industry Person of the Year. Terry King, Vanessa Selbst, and Jennifer Tilly join her as 2022’s fellow WiPHoF inductees.

Lupe Soto, Founder of the Women’s Poker Association, and Women in Poker Hall of Fame has this to say about the WPT and Angelica Hael being a large part of putting women’s poker initiatives as a priority:

“(The) WPT has put their commitment to women in poker at the forefront by developing this WPT Ladies Championship. To dedicate resources to televise the tournament and offer such a large guarantee, elevates the opportunity for women to new heights.

In the past, the WPT Ladies Night was an invitational, and yet was one of their highest rated shows. Now the world will see women who may not play professionally, compete at the highest levels of women’s poker.”

Speaking on the Women in Poker Hall of Fame ceremony Soto added, “once again, the World Poker Tour is supporting the Women in Poker Hall of Fame and one of their own, Angelica Hael, is being honored in the Class of 2022 Inductees. We couldn’t be more excited to have her join the ranks of women who have contributed to the game in a big way.”

The 20th anniversary of the WPT is a first-class celebration of many aspects of poker, including the women that help shape, are shaping and will shape the future of women in poker.

This was my reaction when I found out that one of the people I was working with at the WSOP – not in my direct team – went a MONTH and a HALF without a hairbrush. This was not an unkempt or unattractive man, although someone’s attractiveness unfairly gives them credit for doing certain things to maintain that attractive veneer.

Once, I forgot my brush when I was working the WSOP when it was still at the Rio. Ask me if I’d bought a brush at the first break in action. Yep, I did. I already feel as a woman that I have enough in my purse to build shelter if stranded on an island, with lip balm and a mirror to signal planes above. Maybe a snack or two is in there in a Ziploc with a napkin and spoon. And when I work the WSOP, my backpack has backpacks, that have lunch bags, that have lipstick, lip balm, etc.

I have moments of amnesia where I forget I’m a woman who works in poker, a teeny tiny minority. And then I have glaring moments of clarity, such as the brush conversation of ’22. A lot of what I do to prepare and work in poker is internal, like a lot of women’s inner dialogues; ones that are so natural to us that talking about them usually doesn’t occur to us or isn’t encouraged as a talking point as a society.

Part of how I prepare is what I wear. What I wear to play poker is carefully thought out; if not the outfit, how I want to feel before I go through the sliding doors that’ll lead me to a poker room. Unlike when I lived in Maui and had to do a spot check before I went anywhere in public, seeing if there’s a bra and appropriate clothing involved, when I play poker, I don’t leave anything to chance.

I used to like to dress in a feminine way when I would go play poker, curl my hair, check my makeup. I liked to look wholesome and approachable, but not too approachable. I wanted to feel like a baller inside, and I didn’t want to have to think about my clothing once I got to the table. Dresses with WSOP sweatshirts, jeans and a cashmere sweater, sometimes cute professional jackets over dresses. I never wanted to have too much cleavage because I didn’t want too much attention on me, I wanted to be absorbed into the game, into the banter, be comfortable.

I don’t want to say that I don’t appreciate women that have cleavage at the table. I love women who dress however the F they want to. We’re WOMEN, and there are many ways to dress and comport ourselves as women. We can wear hoodies and sweatpants ourselves, just like the majority of male poker players do. We can have cleavage if we want to. We can dress for comfort. The fact is that most poker rooms – and casinos in general – feel like meat lockers, like they’re trying to keep people alive and awake, as on many senior bus trips.

Clothes as a layer between me and the world

I usually like to write columns that touch on the absurdity of poker, the fun of it all, the craziness, the mishmash of all aspects of society. The fact that the Commerce offered multiple pairs of men’s underwear, but no panties for me to be seen. I like to remind myself why; why I love it. Why even when I’m in the middle of the WSOP looking at the carpet to see if I could lay down and no one would notice – and then realizing ‘heck no I’d never lay on that carpet if you paid me’ – to remind myself why I’m not in a cubicle listening to a woman talking about buying khaki pants at Penny’s every day for a while as I feel my life ebbing away. (Yes, I worked with Penny pants in a non-poker related job.)

Clothing for me is a layer between me and the world, between me and other players. I think about what I’m going to wear when I take out my trash (God forbid it’s too revealing, and it’s nighttime) even though my (male) neighbor almost never wears a shirt… ever.

I think about what I wear as a defense too; a shield, rendering me invisible or very visible. We need an extra layer of protection in this world, even as we’re scanning the perimeter for escape routes, or just how to get back to our car safely. I stopped playing at the Commerce after dark, mostly because of safety, the neighborhood, the walk back to my car. Some people think it’s being “too” safe, but too safe is still a mental buffer where we feel SAFE.

Last night after the poker session, I walked one of the players (a lady in her 60s) to her car.

It breaks my heart that women are (understandably) afraid in situations like that.

I guess we can’t change the way the world is, but we can at least “be the change”.

Offer to help.

— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) September 18, 2022

It may seem silly to make a big deal about what you wear to a cardroom, but women are judged by what we wear, and I’m sure men are, too, but I can only speak to women. Separate from whatever you think happened with Robbi Jade Lew and Garret Adelstein, her appearance has been a big factor in how she’s been judged. And in other cases, such as assault, or crimes against women: “WHAT WAS SHE WEARING?” echoes as such a big and persistent question. I should be able to play poker wearing whatever I want without fear. Plus, women also judge other women, so in a way we’re screwed no matter what, so wear whatever makes you happy is where I aspire to be.

Asking other women poker players their process

As it’s a topic that – to the best of my knowledge – really hasn’t been thoroughly explored, I’ve asked some wonderful women in poker to share their thought processes in deciding what they wear to play poker, and I was excited at hearing their inner dialogues.

Terry King

“I think I’ve changed with age. I had a nice figure… I’m sure I flaunted it to some extent. I think many women dress for other women. I’m probably guilty at times. And dressing for men. I think as I’m older now, I dress for myself. Mostly I’m comfortable. But when I go out, I try to be presentable.

My mom had a saying. ‘Didn’t she look in the mirror before she left home?!’ She was a hoot. I had a friend who would dress a bit provocatively, but get incensed if anyone made remarks. ‘I should be able to wear whatever I want to play poker, without hearing comments.’ I said yes, but people are free to say what they want. So put on some appropriate clothes and go make some money. It’s detracting from your play if it bothers you.”

Terry King is the 1978 WSOP Women’s 7-Card Stud Champion, the administrator of the Facebook group Action Now Sports Poker, and is a member of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame class of 2022.

Linda Johnson

“For me, comfort at the poker table regarding my clothing is always most important. I dress very similar for cash games and tournaments. What I choose to wear is more based on the time of year and the weather, and whether or not the casino I am playing in is extremely cold or has an average temperature. I usually wear something long-sleeved, as many poker rooms are a bit chilly in Las Vegas because of the air conditioning.

I tend to dress slightly better for a Ladies’ event and definitely a lot better for a live streamed televised event. I think it is important to represent the poker community well when the event is streamed or televised.”

Linda Johnson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011, was the inaugural WPT Honors recipient in 2017, won her WSOP bracelet in the 1997 $1,500 Limit Razz event, and is also the cofounder of the Tournament Director’s Association (TDA) and co-owner of Card Player Cruises.

Chris Read

“I don’t ever wear clothes to use sexuality to distract or throw guys off. I want to be taken seriously no matter what I’m playing, cash or tournament. That said, I wear what I refer to as my ‘poker queen outfit’ to my Day 2s and live streams. It’s just comfy pants and my Poker Queen Jersey with cami. I wear it for recognition purposes and for my brand. On Day 1s I just either wear something nice that makes me feel good or yoga pants and a t-shirt for comfort.

So many people have stopped me and said you’re the girl who wears the Queen Jersey.

I have no issue with women who try to use sexuality to get ahead in the game, but personally I want them to remember my brain and how competitive I am more than anything else!”

Chris Read has over $250,000 in career tournament winnings according to HendonMob.com. She’s also got the YouTube Channel “Chris Read Em & Weep- Poker, Places and Personalities,” and founded the Facebook group Poker Queens.

Abby Merk

“When I decide what to wear at the table, it doesn’t matter if it is a cash game or a tournament because it is going to be predominantly men either way. I like to dress conservatively (so that I am able to play free of fear that I will be objectified and sexualized), comfortably (because I will most definitely be playing long hours) and warmly (since it is always cold in those rooms, lol). If it is a ladies’ event, I still stick with the last two points but the first I don’t cater to as much.

Comfort is absolutely an important element due to the fact that you’re going to be sitting a lot. I would never wear jeans, high heels, or honestly even makeup unless I’m playing on a live stream. I would also never try and use my body to throw men off their game. I think that is something that would make me feel severely uncomfortable. I would like to be known for being respectable and for me personally dressing sexy ‘to distract’ is not a way I would ever go about presenting myself.

I would like to be known for my game play ability and my personality at the table, not what I wear or what I look like.”

Abby Merk is a poker player and Teacher with Poker Power, a “club led by women, for young women, with the primary goal of utilizing the game of poker to aid in everything from building confidence, challenging the status quo, learning strategy and assessing risk.”

Kyna England

“I don’t play a lot of cash games but when I do plan to go play anything, I always try to be sporty, comfy and cute. For the most part if I feel cute, I am more confident. Look good, feel good!

Obviously if I know I am going to be on a stream or TV table, I might think through what I wear a bit more. I just dress for the mood I’m in. If I want to dress a little cuter on one day I will, but it’s generally a combination of top, hoodie and yoga pants.”

Kyna England is a poker player with $845,239 in total live earnings according to HendonMob.com. She was named the Mid-States Poker Tour Player of the Year in 2021, the first woman to ever hold the title. She’s also ClubGG’s brand ambassador and a Poker Power instructor.

Dude, where’s my brush?

Reading these other women’s answers made me feel a few things:

• Casinos will try to progressively freeze you, so comfort and warmth is always a thought.
• How we represent ourselves to the world is a very individual and personal decision, and it helps to know how other women think and process the world around them, and I can’t wait to learn more.
• And… I’d still be horrified by the coworker with no brush…

The Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas are the new home of the WSOP, and everyone is looking forward to a successful Summer. Who will outperform, and who will disappoint? While I don’t have all the answers, here are a few fun predictions for the 2022 World Series of Poker.

Daniel Negreanu – Is He “Due?”

If any pro is “due” to finally win his next WSOP bracelet, it is Daniel Negreanu. The now middle-aged “Kid Poker” hasn’t won a bracelet since 2013 and hasn’t won a bracelet in Las Vegas since 2008. Since 2013, Negreanu has been at the final table in 22 bracelet events without winning a bracelet. To say that this Poker Hall of Famer is “due” to win is a bit of an understatement.

Negreanu looks to put in a ton of volume as he plans to play up to 49 events. He has solid results in High Roller tournaments in 2022, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take down his next bracelet in a High Roller.

I’m so amped for the grind! Wish I could fast forward 25 days and get started. https://t.co/A2E8cpw0bt

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) May 6, 2022

Whether you love or hate Daniel Negreanu, you cannot overlook his ability. I believe that he will finally be rewarded this year with his seventh career bracelet.

Phil Hellmuth – Will He Break His Decade-Long Pattern?

Is Phil Hellmuth the Captain America of the WSOP? He always seems to be “on your left” at the final table, especially last year. He was at seven final tables and won his all-time record-breaking 16th career bracelet. Plus, he just missed winning his 17th, too!

Looking forward to this summer, you wouldn’t be crazy to bet on him to win #17. However, it could be a sucker bet if you look at recent history. In the last decade, Hellmuth has had three-year gaps between bracelet wins. He won two bracelets in 2012 and then won them in 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Based on that pattern, Hellmuth is not “scheduled” to win again until 2024. However, I think we see Hellmuth break that pattern. It is hard to believe that he won’t continue to perform well at the WSOP in 2022, particularly after his performances at the recent U.S. Poker Open. I don’t see “Captain Poker” going on the ice this summer. Instead, he will be padding his all-time bracelets record.

How Many Disqualifications Do We See?

A fun prop bet I would like to see offered is the number of disqualifications during the 2022 World Series of Poker. Will we see anyone kicked out for cheating at the table? Does someone get kicked out for lewd behavior? Or will someone have a brain fart and pocket chips when moving to another table?

I’d put the over-under for DQs in the 2022 WSOP at 2.5. Naturally, we don’t want to see anyone kicked out of a tournament, but it is likely to happen.

Does The Main Event Set a New Record? Not Yet

Last year, the WSOP Main Event drew 6,650 players. This was a fantastic number considering everything going on in the world. It showed the spirit and drive of poker players. In 2022, we can expect attendance numbers to climb back above the 7,000 mark, but I don’t think we will set a new all-time record for attendance.

My prediction is that the field will increase to the 7,500 range, which is admittedly conservative. However, I don’t see it cracking 8,000 this year. It will likely be 2023 before we get back to those levels.

I wouldn’t mind being grossly mistaken on this prediction. Horse racing venues like the Kentucky Derby’s Churchill Downs are back to capacity, so we could see the WSOP Main Event do the same. Time will tell.

Long Shot Bet – Phil Ivey

Have I lost my damn mind? If this were 2019, I’d say yes. However, Phil hasn’t shown much interest in playing the WSOP in the last couple of years. He didn’t even show up to the 2021 WSOP, and he hasn’t made any commitments to this year’s series.

Ivey was on fire last month, winning twice and making five final tables in Cyprus. That $2.88 million bump to his career stats reminded us all just how good he could be when focused on poker. However, is he focused enough to make a run at an 11th bracelet?

Phil Ivey this week:

4th $387,000
5th $179,000
1st $1,170,000
2nd $504,000

4 final tables in 6 days

We have been friends for over 20 years and I’m always happy to see him crushing.

Imagine if he plays the WSOP this year? pic.twitter.com/YiW38NZ3xN

— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) April 9, 2022

If Phil Ivey shows up and plays to form, he always has a shot at winning. Lately, that’s a BIG if though. The first step is getting him to show up. Is there enough value on the schedule for him to make an appearance? We will see.

How Many Open-Field Bracelets Will Women Win in 2022?

The only time in WSOP history we saw more than two women win open-field bracelets was in 2004. The last time the WSOP saw two women win live bracelets was in 2016. There were two female champions in online events in 2020, and last year Leo Margets was the only open-field female champion.

Will this year be the year we see a relative “explosion” in female champions? I certainly hope so, but history doesn’t support that prediction. Like the DQ bet, I would set the line at 2.5 for the number of open-field female champions.

What I would like to see more than anything? At least one woman at the Main Event final table, preferably in the top three in chips. The game could use a new face to be a champion for women in poker. Will this be the year they get one?

The winner of the tournament will receive a $1,000 WPT Prime Passport, which can be used to play in new WPT live events, the first stops of which will be in Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan. If Asia is in your travel plans, you now have a new reason to play the tournament!

In addition, as you can see in the image above, the World Poker Tour has partnered up with four wonderful organizations that promote the inclusion of women in the poker industry. Each of those organizations will have a designated bounty player and whoever eliminates them will also receive a $1,000 WPT Prime Passport.

There will be a total of seven featured bounties in the tournament, including:

• Katie Stone from LearnWPT / ClubWPT Username: KatieStone
• Kim Lepa from Poker League of Nations / Username: PokerKarma96
• Kyna England from Poker Power / Username: KynaCool
• Linda Johnson from Card Player Cruises / Username: ILovePoker
• Lupe Soto from Ladies International Poker Series / Username: PokerLupe
• Lynn Gilmartin from World Poker Tour / Username: LynnGilmartin
• Terry Hatcher from Women’s Poker Association / Username: hatcherhomes

An extra $1,000 in cash prizes will also be awarded to the top tournament finishers. The tournament will also be livestreamed with Lynn Gilmartin as commentator with these special guests: Linda Johnson, Natalie Hof, Katie Stone, Lupe Soto, Erin Lydon, Xuan Liu, Jamie Kerstetter, Tara Windsor-Smith and Jacqueline Marchan.

Tournament Details

• Date: Sunday March 13, 2022
• Time: 6:00 PM ET
• Eligibility: VIP & Diamond – and logged in physically playing from a prize eligible location
• Game: No-Limit Texas Hold’em
• Buy-In: 500 TP’s
• Lobby Name: $9,000 WIP Bounty Tournament under VIP tournaments tab
• Registration: Opens 1 hour prior to the start of the event

Payout Structure

The top 20 finishers in the tournament will also receive cash prizes, as follows:

1. $1,000 WPT Prime Passport + $200
2. $150
3. $100
4. $80
5. $70
6. $60
7. $50
8. $40
9. $30
10. to 20th place $20

Save the date and have fun playing the Women In Poker Bounty Tournament this Sunday! It’s a great opportunity for all women to learn the game and play in a super-fun tournament online. Poker needs more women at the tables, and this is an excellent idea to help bring new women players to the game!

Top Women in Poker Organizations Join Forces

Here’s some more information about those four great aforementioned leading women in poker advocacy organizations that the WPT has partnered up with in the wake of International Women’s Day for this fantastic promotion:

Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS)

It’s a global female community supporting and celebrating all women in poker. In the words of their founder Lupe Soto: “Ladies International Poker Series is the first poker tour established for women and expands the game of poker through live and online events across the United States.”

Poker League of Nations (PLoN)

It’s an international organization that actively increases the participation of women in poker through special events, staking opportunities, and its community.

As per Lena Evans, CEO and founder of PLoN: “Our community welcomes all who are aligned with our goal of empowering women through the game of poker. We aim to make women more confident in all facets of life through honing the skills necessary to be successful at the poker table.”

Poker Power

It focuses on the connection between the valuable lessons that are present in the game of poker and real-life application of those lessons.

Erin Lydon, GM of Poker Power, said: “Our organizations share a commitment to bring more women to the table and to empower them with game-changing skills. The power of poker is that by playing a game of strategy, we learn to master the game of leadership. As more women learn and play, the impact will be transformational for generations to come. It’s time to stop playing not to lose and start playing to win.”

Women’s Poker Association (WPA)

The WPA is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works tirelessly to empower, elevate, and educate women in poker.

Said Tara Windsor-Smith, Vice President of WPA: “It’s crucial that women, at any stage of their poker journey, always feel welcomed and supported, plus know what resources are available to them within the poker community. Through strategic and thoughtful partnerships within the poker industry and purposeful WPA programs, we continue to bring awareness to women in poker within our industry. This has resulted in positive changes and forward-thinking initiatives which are being recognized and carried out worldwide by poker operators and the poker community. What has been accomplished over the past decade for the recognition and advancement of women in poker, is just amazing! However, the job isn’t finished yet, and the WPA still has a ton more to do.”

The month-long celebration is sponsored by Poker League of Nations (PLON), the world’s largest and most internationally represented women’s poker organization, with 7,500+ members and lots of free educational content available.

PLON founder Lena Evans will be one of the show’s four interviewees in March, and shared the following: “We here at Poker League of Nations are so proud to be supporting Bernard as he celebrates Women’s National History Month on his renown radio show. Our goal is to help women become interested and increase their participation in this wonderful game of poker. We are pleased that Bernard and his show are dedicating this month to highlight women poker players.”

Bernard Lee has long been an advocate for women in poker and has always done stellar work to promote the game’s female players on his show.

Knowing all too well how much the game of poker would benefit from more women taking an active interest in the game, and how valuable to the industry increased women’s participation would be, Lee stated as follows: “The world of poker has had many critical growth moments such as the Moneymaker Boom and Black Friday, which helped increase poker outside the United States. Another current opportunity is to engage more women to increase their participation in poker. During any tournament, less than 5% of the entrants are women, yet, of course, the world’s female population is about 50%. This potential growth is a tremendous opportunity. I hope these interviews with women champions helps spark an interest in women who were previously not familiar with poker.”

Joining Evans as part of the quartet of interviewees Bernard will sit across the mic from in March, to celebrate Women’s History Month, the following poker champions will be featured:

• Linda Johnson, The First Lady of Poker, WSOP bracelet winner and Poker Hall of Famer
• Lena Evans, founder of PLON and two-time WSOP Circuit winner
• Lara Eisenberg, 2021 WSOP Ladies Championship winner
• Kyna England, 2021 MSPT Player of the Year

“Over the past couple of decades, I have been so fortunate to know Bernard and he has always been very supportive of women in poker,” said Linda Johnson. “I am extremely pleased and honored to be a part of his radio show’s celebration of women in poker” she added.

Cardplayer Lifestyle fans surely know the extent to which we, too, are ardent advocates for increased women’s participation in poker, and that we’re also big supporters of Bernard Lee’s work. You can find timestamped recaps of his show each and every week right here in our Podcast section of the website.

We’ll be tuning in right along with you to Bernard’s shows throughout the month of March, as he profiles some of poker’s leading ladies.