Dottiddydot

This sums up everything that is great about being a drummer!

Its that time of year when you flex your wallet and clear away the cloud of moths that emerge. Its also a time when you say to yourself "What shall I get for my poker mad partner/friend/relative?". Well here's a quick round up of what I think you could get...

• Well, if you've got to get something slightly more flamboyant than a pair of poker slippers and you're ready to splash out some serious cash, why not try this poker table. It's a proper ten person, padded edged and felted table perfect for fleecing the fish.


• You could pick up a set of 11.5g chips to give that home game a better casino feel. Great for a four player game. However if you prefer your chips with the values on them, then you should check out these chipsets.


• However if the poker player in your life is a total couch-potato then this TV Poker console is for you. For up to six players so your sofa is going to need to be quite big.


• Should they be more the type to sit parked in front of the PC (or Mac) then this is the option for you. World Class Poker has a whole range of poker games to suit. World Series of Poker: Tournament Champions is for those who own a Playstation. It would be remiss for me to not plug WPT's own offering for the Xbox. Happy keyboard/console bashing!


• For those looking for something that won't break the bank then you should take a look at a card shuffler. Great for nervous live players who hate to shuffle cards in front of their friends. No-one likes to fumble a deck in front of their friends.


• Here's another reasonable offering. Chipsets usually come with a cheap plastic dealer button (if you're lucky). So if you want to give your home game a bit more finesse but without spending heaps then take a look at these Dealer and Blind buttons. Alternatively take a look at these card protectors, for stopping any over zealous dealers from mucking your aces.


• Heading back to the sofa, all good poker players know you need to study to get an advantage over the rest of the table. Watching some Poker DVDs are a good way to get your head in the groove, just remember that they tend to show edited highlights. Many new players come unstuck by trying to emulate Gus Hansen by raising with rags.


• The best way to learn though is probably the most unglamourous. Yes, you guessed it, get those training manuals out and get grafting. Perfect for the poker player who is constantly having to top up their bankroll. Learn something before you hit the felt. These are the books you must get: Harrington on Hold 'em, Doyle Brunson's Super System II, and Caro's Book of Poker Tells.


• Here's a gift for the budding Marcel Luske in your life: cufflinks. Now you can really feel like you're in Casino Royale.


• Finally, for the ultimate cheesetastic poker gift this Christmas, you need Poker Nights CD and DVD. The DVD is a "How to..." guide, whilst the CD has some stomping Poker themed musical delights. Such classics as "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers and "Big Spender" by Shirley Bassey could be yours. However anything that has James Brown, Kool and the Gang and Urge Overkill on it can't be bad, can it?

Well, that wraps up my poker gift guide. Happy hunting on the tables over Christmas!

This is a great rant! Its not mine - I don't come from Texas. However it is a pet hate of mine where food producers sneakily downsize their products hoping you won't notice. They usually continue to charge the same price too. The rant I am refering to is of "Devoted Customer Upset Jimmy Dean Downsized Sausage 16oz To 12oz But Charges Same Price". Priceless - let it set the interweb alight! I'm not going to pass comment on the families size or of stereotypes of Texas dwellers, that just isn't relative, I just like his style. Now who wants a "Randy Taylor" t-shirt?