My Loyal Followers,
Nearly one hundred and eighty years ago, a fellow from Mississippi - who went by the apt surname of 'Green' - created one of the earliest written references known on the game of 'poker'; he wrote rules to a new game that players embraced because it was more challenging and more honest than the notoriously rigged game of three-card Monte which was popular on the gambling circuit.
It is, however, common belief that Lord Bonaparte Brunson The First penned the Holy Book on Poker* some several hundred years previous, which has since been amended over time by his successors - the most recent being Super System by Doyle Brunson, the living legend who celebrates his 274th birthday next year. Your Majesty salutes you.
Acknowledged as a masterpiece of poker prose and the most vivid translation of the scriptures, the glorious language of this Bible has survived the turbulence of history and given many of us the most widely-recognised and beautiful descriptions of the birth of poker which we celebrate today.
The modern day teachings of such prominent figures as Grospellier The Great and Christ Moorman is an enterprise guided by an interest in reaching agreement for the wider benefit of the modern day poker player, and to bring harmony to the Kingdoms of Online Grindage and Live Play.
Today, it is as important as ever to build communities and create harmony. Yes, we have had our enemies. Though we do not utter the name of The Evil One, his shadow did cast grey clouds over the Fifth Day Of The Week; 'twixt that of Thursday and that of Saturday**. And though he pulled the wool over our innocent eyes, any site that preaches "Learn, chat and have your money embezzled by the pros" would be enough to send even the most battle-hardened poker player on tilt. Nay, not just tilt. Full tilt.
But still, we stand strong as a community, with the courage of Achilles and the heart of William Wallace. And what better a community than the Black Belt Poker Community! Through the leadership of His Eminence and Greatness Sir Channing, and the support of His loyal followers, we have gone from strength to strength. We have listened patiently to the words of the Wise One. And listened. And listened some more. Even when Sir Channing would start His teachings at the setting of the sun and conclude them at the crowing of the first cockerel at sunrise the next morning, we listened.
We have come out strong even when our forts were infiltrated by Trolls and No-Gooders by standing together as one and, on command, baring our backsides to said villains in such a manner as exemplified in the movie Braveheart.
And let us be modest of our achievements throughout 2011 in the Black Belt Dojo. There has been much success, many great results and much support and spirit from all members of the community. Many new Belts have emerged through hard work and dedication to the craft, including the first ever self-made Black Belt. But still, let us remain humble and anonymous, and continue to give to the community as much as we take***.
And let us remember on this most glorious of days that the game of poker does what no man past or present could or can do: it unites people, regardless of race or religion; it brings together man, woman and animal (see Donkey, Fish and Horse); it brings together rich and poor; it brings together black and white, Muslim and Christian, and it brings them together as equal, all with one unifying passion: the love of the Beautiful Game.
Whether it be the relentless Asian gambling spirit true to the residents of Macau, the passionate and very proud defensive nature of the French, or the hot-blooded aggression of the Italians; whether it be the larger-than-life glamour of the American approach, or indeed the solid play exemplified by those resident of the island of Great Britain - right around the world, people gather to compete under standard rules and, in most cases, in a spirit of friendly rivalry.
People are capable of belonging to many communities. Lord Brunson may not have anticipated quite how important poker would be in promoting harmony and common interests. But, as in the case of the Black Belt Poker Community, nothing is more satisfying than the feeling of belonging to a group who are dedicated to helping each other:
‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should to do to you, do ye even so to them..
I wish you, and all those whom you love and care for, a very happy Christmas.
Sam Razavi I
* see Ye Olde Systeme Supere
** Friday
*** for more information on the first ever self-made Black Belt, see Sam Razavi