Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-12-28
POKER WON AT THE POLLS.
How Browne, OF Virginia, BIuffed
His Way Into Congress.
From the Nsao York sun.

From the NeD York Sun.
RICHMOND, Dec. 25.-Congressman-
elect Browne, of the Ninth Virginia dis
trict, will probably be recognized as the
finest poker player in Congress when he
goes to Washington. He has the reputa-
ton of having a more profound knowledge
OF the science of poker, and of having
raked in more big pots than any man in
the State. He comes from the mountain
GUS southwest, where poker Is cultivated
as assiduously as the meagre crops, and
where knowledge of the game Is re-
garded as a necessary part Of every mans
education. His election to Congress
was due in great measure to his poker
reputation, The district went Demo-
cratic two years ago by Q considerable
majority, and was reckOned to be safe this
year with the popular Henry az the Demo-
cratic candidate. When Browne was
nominated, however, change came over
the face OF things. His card reputation
was widespread, and as every true south
west VirgiLian has an intense admiration
for sklllful poker player, 1t looked as
though Browne would attract to himself
enough Democratic admirers to elect
him.
Poker became sort OF an Issue In the
campaign, although Browne never
boosted of his talents IN his speeches ex-
cept once, when he offered to settle the
contest by game with Henry. His fol-
lowers, however, extolled his poker abili-
ty for all 1t was worth. From every
stump In the district the Brown men
spoke glowingly of their leaders, feats
at the card table, of bis lucky draws,
his wonderful nerve, and the numerous
big jack pots he had raked In. The
mountaineers, while listening to this,
forgot the tariff and other dry issues
which the Democratic stumpers had
dwelt upon. Political economy
had been Greek to them but
they could understand and grow
enthusiastic over stories OF fabulous pots
raked In on pair oil deuces ana hundred
dollar bluffs on a ten high. Every place
Brown went he was cheered almost as
much by Democrats as Republicans, and
frequently gave practical demonstrations
to the voters that his reputation was hon.
estly earned, When election day came
around it was evident that Henry Stoell
was away down, and the result OF the
vote proved this to be the case. Browne
came forth victorious by several thous-
and majority, Gaining about two thousand
Democratic votes
Mr.. Browne is well adapted by nature
for skill in the science of poker. His
lace becomes absolutely expressionless
when he wants it to be SO. Nothing can
excite him during game. HIS nerve is
wonderful. The stories told of his bluffs
would Nil volume, and readable one,
too. His only equal in bluffing is Gaines,
of Petersburg. These two met once and
tried their weapons. After making the
pot several hundred they showed up,
Gaines having pair OF deuces and
Browne pair Of tours.
Mr.. Browne plays by rules. He is
real scientific player in his own peculiar
way. A few OF his rules he wrote out for
an admirlng constituent last fall. Here
are some extracts:
1. Never bet on the first hand unless you
have three of kind or better.
2. Ii you have pair and an ace, hold
on to the ace in the discard.
3. Meyer draw to kings.
4. Ii there are more than two men in a
jock-pot never have any confidence in
anything but full hand or better.
B. Never draw to a middle straight.
o. Never draw to a straight flush.
7. Never break pair under any cir
cumstances.
s. Ii your opponent, after looking at his
cards, drops them carelessly and folds his
arms, keep out.
Never take your eyes from your oppo-
nents face during the betting-not even
when picking up your chip.
Never allow pot to be taken without
call.
Some players may doubt the expediency
OF some OF these rules, but they have Ger.
tainly stood MIR. Browne In good stead
during his scientific career.