Why Have Ladies-Only Tournaments?
By Debbie Burkhead

That's a good question, and I've had many debates with lots of men and women as to why there should be ladies-only tournaments. First and foremost is because some women need to feel at ease while playing poker. Not all women are intimidated by their male counterparts, but a large majority feel uneasy and unwelcome when they sit down at a poker table with mostly men. Let's face it ladies, we are the minority and always will be, but that is no reason not to participate in a sport in which we are just as capable. The premise behind ladies-only tournaments is not to exclude men but to get more women involved in poker. Inexpensive poker tournaments is a great way for women to learn how to play and become more comfortable in competition. I have never felt uncomfortable playing with men and I would like to see more women compete in the major tournaments. For this to happen we need to continue having ladies tournaments.

I've had women tell me that the first time they walked into a poker room to play poker was one of the scariest things they've ever done. Women should not be made to feel that way, and I believe ladies tournaments certainly help women gain more confidence in playing poker and therefore feel more comfortable playing with men. The majority of the poker world is made up of men, and there are only about 10 percent of us ladies who even attempt to play the major tournament trail. I'd like to see that change, and I firmly believe the more ladies-only tournaments we have the greater the number of women we will see in the future playing in the major events.

Players have gone as far as to say ladies tournaments are sexist and illegal -- what a ridiculous statement. Yes, I agree they are limited to women only but there are valid reasons for this. It gets women involved in poker. It brings in more business. It gives women a chance to compete with players of their own caliber. It allows women to learn how to participate in competition and therefore become comfortable playing other tournaments. It is basically a learning ground for the novice. What is so wrong with giving women the opportunity to play and learn in a congenial and comfortable situation? We all started somewhere, and if this helps get more women in poker, why not give them a chance?

Ladies, let me say this, we need to support ladies tournaments if we want them to continue. I know there are women out there who don't like ladies tournaments but for the sake of getting more women involved in poker, please ladies, play some of these tournaments, even if it's just for the cause. And for you men who feel these tournaments are sexist, give the ladies a break, they just want to play poker.

There are several casinos that put on quite a bash for the ladies. The Bicycle Casino in California has several ladies-only tournaments throughout the year with very inexpensive buy-ins. The Commerce Casino holds the Ladies Dream Weekend every year, and this year's event is September 1-3. They go all out to make the ladies feel welcome and they are very generous with gifts and elaborate buffets every evening. Ocean's Eleven Casino in California holds the Ladies State Championship and this year's event is scheduled for September 21-25. If you've never attended this one, you are truly missing out on a great four-day event. They are known for treating the ladies to a terrific weekend, so you won't be sorry. Some of the major tournaments still hold ladies-only tournaments, such as the World Series in Vegas and this year the World Poker Open in Tunica, Mississippi is holding a women's hold 'em event with a $100 buy-in.

A lot of major tournaments have dropped ladies events, and I hope some of these tournament directors would reconsider. I realize they're not as profitable as the open events but I think a large majority of women would really appreciate having a chance to participate in the majors.

To all you ladies who love to play and are interested in learning tournament poker give some of these ladies tournaments a chance. The more you play, the more confidence you will achieve. In my next column I will give you some advice that I hope will make you a better player and less intimidated when playing with men. There are some advantages in being a woman poker player, and we'll get into that next time.