Poker With The Joker

"Read 'em and weep." Truly, one of the most satisfying phrases in the English language (to say, not to hear). Celebrity couples JoAnne Worley (of Laugh-In fame) and Roger Perry, and Mary and Fred Willard (former co-host of Real People) share their love of friendly poker in this funny guide to nine "wild and crazy" poker games. Playing with chips (no money on the table), each dealer announces a game, which is then played out, and summarized at the end of the hand with the rules repeated. Games range from the common ("jacks or better, trips to win") to the outré ("deuces and jacks, the king with the ax, natural sevens take all"). Although there are a few corny jokes here and there, the couples are obviously seasoned poker players, and in addition to the crazy games, they offer some good tips on poker etiquette along the way. Other games include: "Cleveland baseball," "no-peeky-no-speaky," "blind man's bluff," "Noah's ark," and "President" (the player with the highest card showing on the next to last card in 7 stud can "veto" the hand). Unfortunately, the room that the program was shot in wasn't really checked for the sound acoustics, and the soundtrack carries that annoying hollow sound which plagues many an otherwise fine production. Viewers can still hear and understand what's being said; it's just distracting. An optional purchase. (Available from: Bill Armstrong Productions, 15585 High Knoll Road, Encino, CA 91436.)