C
Card & Bridge How To play Poker with Cardsoc: 1. Relax. Remember you’re playing a friendly game of Poker in a College Society. Not everyone’s priority is solely to win (though of course there is a competitive bunch), many are here to socialise and for a laugh. Take the opportunity to sit around a table getting to know new people without the need to break the ice, the razor-sharp cards will do that for you. 2. Learn the rules. It sounds silly but a lot of people who like poker and the concept of sitting down for a game of cards don’t actually know which is better: a flush or a straight (it’s a flush). 3. Pay attention to the Board and the Players. A lack of concentration can lead to you thinking that you have something in your hand, only to “flip ‘em over” and realise that you were missing a card from that straight you thought you had. Meanwhile there was an obviously played flush on the table and the game won by your better-handed opponent. 4. Grow a Pair. Don’t be afraid to mix up your play, to provide inconsistencies. Be loud and obnoxious or quiet and mouse-like both when you decide to bluff and when your cards are good. If you have the best cards then you’re in the best position, don’t feel otherwise. 5. Don’t Bullshit too much. Play your good cards well and be patient. You may go hand upon hand of fold upon fold, but generally, if you play with an edge of caution, focus and take your opportunities with both good cards and the exaggeration of those, you’ll be just fine. 6. Most importantly, take it as it comes and enjoy it for what it is. There is a large element of luck in this game, though as you progress you will see people make their own. Sometimes the game will go against you, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Just be sure to make the most of your luck. Cormac Cassidy, Originally appeared in Trinity News Two bridge@csc.tcd.ie
Chapel Choir As usual, the College Chapel Choir sang service twice every week during term, but the musical highlight of the year was definitely the annual college Carol Service when the choir sang a mixture of traditional and modern carols to a completely packed-out chapel. Christmas was, as always, a busy time which saw the choir carol-singing at Christmas Commons in the College dining hall and the Mater hospital. Socially, the trip to Galway before the start of the second semester was a huge success with record numbers coming along to party and sing services in both the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals there. Chapel Choir was also delighted to sing as part of
Trinity Arts Festival’s Cacophony concert, which included a memorable performance of Allegri’s Miserere in the stairwell of the music department. The choir are now looking forward to their annual international trip, which this year will be to Venice. It was also discovered last year that 2012 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Chapel Choir and the first anniversary event takes place on April 15th when past members from around the world rejoin us to sing a service in the chapel, followed by a party in the Provost’s house. Margaret Bridge, Conductor cchoir@csc.tcd.ie
Chess Chess Soc has had an eventful and successful year. On the competitive side of things our members competed across all levels, from masters to minors, in several tournaments since September. We have been represented in Kilkenny, Galway, Bunratty and intervarsities in Cork so far. Each time our members have done us proud and we’ve come away with some prizes including the intervarsity title! Our two Leinster league teams are also improving over last season, and pushing up the table in divisions 1 and 4.
On the social side, our club nights have continued to prove popular. Whether it’s tactics training, blitz chess, swap chess, or coaching, there is always something going on. We have an exciting batch of new players just getting into playing serious games both in the leagues and tournaments so the future looks bright for us. We’re always on the lookout for new members to bolster our ranks. Regardless of how experienced you are, we take all standards and we bring everyone up to speed. Stephen Moran, Captain chess@csc.tcd.ie
12