Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-07-24
1 SENATOR WHO PLAYS POKER.
But Did Not Know that Two Pair OF
Queens Beat Three Aces.

Senator Bowen, of Colorado, is generally
acknowledged TO be the finest poker player
in Washington. SAYS the Philadelphia Times.
He is also very fond of coaching neophytes
in the science. A short time ago Senator
Kenna, of West Virginia, conceived long
ing to learn the principles of the game,
about which he had heard SO much. OF
course he applied to Bowen for informa-
ton. The latter was delighted. For sew
eral days he gave Kenna lessons in the
room of the Committee on Enrolled Bills,
of which Bowen is Chairman. The young
West Virginian seemed to make rapid ad-
yancemeht, and the Colorado Senator began
to boast of the efficiency of his pupil. Ii
was noticed, too, that while both were in
the Senate Chamber they usually occupied
adjoining chairs and were often in eager
converse. This caused some comment. as
the Senators are from widely separated
parts of the country, belong to opposing
parties and are not on a committee together.
1t was generally supposed, though. that
poker was the subject of conversation, since
Bowen had been Boosting of Kenna's new
.quirement.
Well one night last week friendly
party was gathered in Bowens room at the
Riggs House Kenna was there, and SO
was Dolph of Oregon, whose skill with
cards is recognized both here and at home.
During the conversation Bowen started off
on his favorite theme, and lauded Kenna's
progress under his tutorship. Dolph sug-
gested that he would give Kenna a chance
to show his ability in $50 limit game.
Kenna looked dubious but Bowen patted
him on the shoulder and told him to go in.
The game began with Bowen leaning
over his pupils chair to give encourage
ment 1t was stipulated beforehand by
Dolph, however, that no suggestion should
come from the Colorado man. Dolph put
up his dollar ante and Kenna dealt The
latter held pair of queens, king, ten
and seven. With all the eagerness of
neophyte he came IN, and, laying bis pair
aside, discarded the others. AT this point
a couple OF Western members came IN, and
it was some minutes before the game was
proceeded with. Finally Kenna dealt the
cards In the draw be got two queens and
an ace. Bowen could hardly restrain his
delight, and it was evident from his ex-
preston that he longed to yell to his pupil
go it, my boy, for all you're worth"
Kenna did not seem 10 be oyerpleased,
however AS beginners generally do, he
laid his second pair aside from the first
and, putting his elbows on the table,
awaited the betting. DolDh, of course,
| thought his opponent had two pairs Hav-
| ing three aces himself, he went about the
betting in very confident way. Putting
$50 on the table, he looked hard a. Bowen
| TO detect any signals that might pass be-
| tween the teacher and the pupil Bowen
! kept the agreement honestly, although his
face was red with suppressed emotion and
| his fingers seemed to sink into the back of
| the chair. Kenna, without looking at his
cards again folded his arms and considered
the ACCESSIBILITY of coming in. Finally re
membering what his teacher had told him
about Dolphs bluffing schemes, he planked
down the $40 and called.
Three aces" said Dolph, showing his
hand.
Beats me, replied Kenna. I've only
, got two pairs"
Atthis Bowen could restrain himself no
longer, and yelled:
What are you talking about two pairs,
Kenna2 Look at your hand, man.
II have looked at it." said Kenna
! quietly. II had one pair Of queens and
drew another pair. Two pairs and the
other card is an ace
| Then there was wild laughter fiom the
| lockers on except Bowen, who sank into a
chair with desparing look at his promis-
ing pupil. kenna caught on after
awhile, but it was too lete. He had thrown
up his hand. and the pot went to his oppo-
nent. He laughed heartily when be saw
the point, and confessed he had few
| things 10 learn about poker yet Bowen
has given up his pupil. and freely expresses
the opinion that man who does not know
that four queens beat three aces can never
carry the Democratic party through the
next campaign.