Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending a poker retreat workshop in Brianhead, Utah. That in itself is an oddity because I'm not the biggest student of No Limit Holdem. I prefer mixed games with my favorite being Omaha Hi/Lo. But, when I realized the retreat was an opportunity to hang out with Linda and Jan for a weekend, (first perk), then be with a group of other women who love poker, (second perk) and to get intimate training on NLHE tournament play? PRICELESS! I was IN!

After leaving Las Vegas, we stopped in St. George at the Prazo Deli for lunch. (Can you say YUMMO!? Stop there if you're ever passing through!) This gave the girls a chance to meet up and make introductions.  The group was made up of Linda and Jan, Joanie and Val, who are long time friends of theirs, London and Juli, friends from Southern California, (you might remember London from WPT Ladies Night final table), Karen, Judy, Jane and Debbie, four of the Oklahoma Hotties from Tulsa and of course... me. The common denominator of this group? POKER!

Aftert lunch we made the trek up the mountain to "the cabin".  This is like calling a Mercedes a Pinto! The retreat takes place in the gorgeous ski resort town of Brianhead, Utah in the most gorgeous luxury cabin you can imagine. (If you don't belive me, check it out for yourself! http://www.vrbo.com/200793) 

Upon our arrival and cabin tour, we went to our designated rooms and unpacked. Then it was time to start the lessons. For the next two days we were treated to amazing intense poker training, labs and practice tournaments. The difference in our play from day one to day three? Indescribable! I can tell you I feel very confident in my play which is not something I could say before this weekend.

Between lessons and poker, we played games and relaxed. Oh, and we ate.  And ate. And then just in case, we ate some more! It was such a blast. There was lots of laughter, great stories, tender moments and a weekend we'll treasure for years to come. One of the great things about the weekend  was there was no drama and we were able to get to know each other a lot better since we normally only see one another briefly at poker events. I recommend this opportunity for everyone... you won't regret it one bit!

Linda and Jan are amazing hosts and instructors. They're both generous, down to earth women with a desire to help you improve your poker game. How can you go wrong when the retreat is like a huge slumber party with poker!

Linda and Jan are offering limited number of retreats and can take up to 10 women at a time to the cabin. For $300 per person, which includes your lodging and meals you can enjoy one of the best poker values for your money!

Contact Linda at cardplayercruise@aol.com and let her know you want to go on the poker retreat.  She'll let you know when the next ones are scheduled. Enjoy!