Let's play poker

Some things in this life are sacred.

And, for the Capital news boys, high on their list of sacred things is "poker night".

They take it very seriously, very seriously indeed.

We're talking a casino setting, a dress code (of sorts) and a highly competitive, bordering on professional, attitude to what's unfolding on and around the table.

That was until this week when they made their first faux pas by inviting a GIRL along. I was privileged enough to be that lone female, having been overheard telling someone that I knew how to play and had not done too badly at a fun poker night with friends.

News of this never-before-heard-of invite quickly spread and before long various other members of the newsroom - both poker-playing and non poker-playing were asking if they could partake too. And they were graciously accepted into the fold (faux pas number 2).

Although we did all have to sit through a training session to ensure that poker rules and etiquette were known and respected, first.

The big date was set, the venue chosen (rather than a casino, a slightly less intimidating bar which rented out poker tables, chips and cards) and we were ready to play.

What exactly they were hoping for, I'm not sure.

What they got however, was a string of game stoppages for toilet breaks, smoking breaks, burger and chips breaks, vodka and diet coke breaks.... which led to a lot of tutting, and eyes raised to the heavens from the boys.

There was also much giggling at poker faces, much asking questions of the rules and much saying "oooh sorry, is it my go?". There was even some photo-taking so that the historic moment shalt forever be preserved on film.

They hadn't accounted for a table with more lumps and bumps in it than, erm... a really lumpy, bumpy thing. Nor did they expect to be distracted by the incredibly eclectic juke box which was our soundtrack to the evening, belting out everything from 80s power ballads to country and western, from obscure indie tracks to bizarre dance mixes of heavy rock.

And I'm willing to put money on the fact that none of them thought a girl might win. But win she did. Yes I, Claire Louise Miller, beat the lot of them and walked away with the pot of prize money.

Although having said that, according to our resident poker expert, sports boy Phil Blacker, the use of the word "win" is an interesting one and not entirely correct.

Although I ended up with £20,000 more in chips than he did, the game didn't actually finish - due to the hilarity which ensued during the night, we were still playing 4 hours after we started. And at the risk of missing our last tubes home, we all agreed to call it a day and count up.

Phil says I didn't win because, and I quote, "I dont remember the game actually being played to a conclusion. I play by the Rocky Balboa rules which clearly state 'it aint over til it's over'."

Fighting talk. Or sour grapes as it's been suggested by some (not me obviously).

Official win or not - I have a wad of prize money in my dainty purse which I intend to spend on a suitably girly pair of shoes.

And win or no win I have a lot to prove at the next poker night, if of course I or any of us are allowed back again ! And that is a whole different matter !