Before heading to the saloon to start up a game, Bart walked over to the general store to pick up a few things he preferred to have on him whenever he was at the tables. He grabbed a few nice cigars, some tobacco to chew on when they were gone, and even a few snacks to chew on whenever he got hungry. He used to order food from the places where he was playing but one time the chef has drugged him through his food to knock him off his game and help a friend at the table. Since then, he always either brought his own food or waited until the games were over to make any orders. Sometimes attempts were made by the house to help the dealer so they wouldn't lose as much money, so Bart never trusted anyone when playing his game and always assumed that everyone was out to sabotage him. It did seem a tad paranoid, but the approach helped him win more often so it started to stick with him. He was standing at the counter waiting to purchase his items, but there was a young girl in his way that was trying to buy a piece of candy.
"I'm terribly sorry," the shopkeeper said, "You're a few pennies short."
Before anyone could say anything, Bart dug into his pocket and took out a quarter and placed it on the countertop.
"Will that cover it?" He asked the shopkeeper.
"Yes, Sir." The keeper replied.
"Good," Bart said, "And give the change to the young lady."
"Thank you, mister," the young girl said, even bowing respectfully.
"It was my pleasure little lady," Bart said, tipping his hat back at her. "A friend of mine once said never to pass up a chance to build up good karma, especially when you're about to start the day."
"He sounds like a smart man," The girl replied.
"He has his moments," Bard admitted, "Have a nice day."
"To you as well," the young girl said, taking the cany and change before running out the door.
"That was mighty kind of you," the keeper said, as he counted up Bart's items.
"Good will tends to swing both ways," Bart said, "I'm hoping you have the good whiskey in today."
"I wasn't going to say anything," The keeper admitted, "But since you've been a good patron today, I'll get you a bottle of a new supply that just arrived."
"Thank you kindly," Bart said as he waited patiently for the shop keeper to fetch the bottle for him. It was a very expensive brand, but Bart didn't care as he put the money on the table without hesitation.
"Good luck at the tables," The keeper said, knowing where he was going next.
"Luck is for losers," Bart said, winking at the man as he backed out the door.
Bart strolled down the road, soaking in the sun as that was the only time that day it would be beating down on him. He planned to spend the rest of his day in the saloon gambling and making money at the tables, and by the time his day was done the sun will have gone down and it would be night. It was only on a rare occasion that he'd emerge from his games with the sun still up, but those days were few and far between. Only when the cards were cold, or the table was too hostile would be bow out of the game for self preservation. Winning was nice, but you can't spend it if you're dead. He did promise the sheriff that he wouldn't kill anyone else for the rest of the day, so if the table got cold or trigger fingers started to get itchy, then Bart wouldn't hesitate to call it a day and maybe even surprise George at supper and try to talk him into hitting a train that weekend. He knew George was on the straight and narrow now, but he still enjoyed teasing him with ideas of future heists as if he was still a fellow bandit. Truth was, he respected George for going legit and making an honest living. He was married to a great gal, and even a few rug rats to go with the house and the picket fence. That wasn't the kind of life for Bart, so he moved on without George and the rest of the gang. Some went to prison for being stupid and greedy, while others met an early grave. It felt like he was a dying breed, but Bart refused to give up the live, and continued to roll tables and gamblers as if he was robbing them blind. When you're that talented, it's almost like you're stealing their wallet with ease, and they let you do it! That's why Bart loved to play the game and was actually making a living at it that wasn't as dangerous as hitting stagecoaches or trains. Since he was getting older and a little slower with age, it seemed the right choice to make to support his habits and the itch to do something dangerous.
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When he walked through the swinging doors of the saloon, the smell of cigars and cheap whiskey was like a breath of fresh air to him. As he walked deeper into the busy establishment, he could see the poker tables as each one already had a few players and had already started without him. Clearly, he had been conversing with George too long, but it was still worth it. Let the men at the table win a few hands before he showed up gave them confidence, and that would give him the advantage as they bet free and easy and allow him to take a lot of their money before they started to play conservatively. When he spotted the perfect table with just the right players, Bart strolled over and tipped his cap to the men that were playing.
"Gentlemen," he calmly started, "Is this seat taken?"
"I don't know," one of the players answered as he was unsure if he wanted someone like Bart to join the table.
"Don't like, Jones," One o the other players answered, "You know it isn't."
"He's right," the dealer confirmed, "Buy in here is two hundred dollars."
"Pricey game," Bart said as he took off his had and sat down. He then tossed the money onto the table. "I'm in, of course."
"Thank you, Sir." The dealer said as he took the cash. "You may join in with the next hand."
"Of course," Bart said, and then never said another word as he watched the table and how the hand before them carried out. Jones seemed to have a decent hand, while the other two players, Tubby and McCoy both seemed unsure of what to do and took their time deciding whether to call or fold.
"Don't waste our time, Tubby," Jones said, showing his impatience. "Are you in or now you yellow piece of shit!"
"There's no need for vulgarity," McCoy said, as he had already folded.
"I call," Tubby said, unwilling to tolerate his banter as he laid out his hand. "I've got two pair: aces and queens."
"Not bad," Bart said, as it was a decent hand.
"Three fours." Jones said, as he laid his hand on the table. Considering that he had asked for three cards at the last draw. That means he only had a pair of fours and was bluffing when the first bet was made.
Bart learned quite a bit about Jones but need to watch more hands before sensing a pattern with the man who was the biggest threat at the table. Tubby and McCoy were good, but they were inexperienced and young, and just learning how to play. Now that he was able to get a hand this turn, he wasn't going to charge in right off the bat. He preferred to ease in and learn more about the men he was playing.
"Now you're in, Bart." The dealer said as he now included him into the next hand.
Bart picked up his cards and right off the bat he had a pair of Jacks. Not a bad start, but Bart didn't want to start strong, so he tapped the table to check. Like the previous hand Jones was eager to bet, putting a five on the table. McCoy again folded, not even pretending to have a decent hand. Tubby was quick to call, which was surprising to Bart as he didn't think the big man had anything. Bart also decided to call which led them to the next draw. Bart and Tubby both asked for three cards each, where as Jones only asked for two, which explained the early bet to both men. Bart took a look at his three new cards and while there were no Jacks, he did draw a pair of tens, which gave him a decent hand, similar to what Tubby had last time but a little stronger this time. Jones made another strong bet after Bart had checked a second time, which is what Bart expected. There was no point in betting because he knew Jones would be more than happy to oblige. Much to his surprise, Tubby checked again and even raised. Either the big man was bluffing, or he was got something good from the draw. Either way, Bart at this point was only interested in observing rather than winning so he quickly folded as Tubby had ensured he would be able to see the cards without having to pay to do so. Jones was quick to call, and then quickly slapped his cards onto the table to reveal two aces sided with a king, ten, and a deuce. Clearly the cards Jones had kept were the aces and king, hoping he could get another king or ace, which never happened. Tubby then put his hand down to reveal that it was again inferior to Jones' hand. He also had a single pair, but it was a pair of deuces. A shit hand that wasn't worth bluffing with. If Bart wanted to bluff someone, he would bet a lot stronger and take only one or two cards at draw and that would make anyone nervous. Tubby wasn't aggressive enough and was easily called. Rookie mistake, but he would learn.
Despite having the best hand at the table, Bart didn't want to start dominating the table too soon and wanted to scout a little bit more to look for tells and patterns before really jumping into the game. After four more hands, Bart had all the Intel he needed and started to play the game his way and with the knowledge that he needed to play the men at the as well as the cards and that gave him a serious advantage. That's when Bart started to win and win often much to the disappointment of the other men at the table.