Ensign offers no tips on poker

Friday, April 15, 2005 | 8:47 a.m.

SUN WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said he had a good time -- if not a respectable showing -- Wednesday night at a poker tournament for charity, which included 100 players -- lawmakers, their aides and lobbyists.

About 40 were left in the games when Ensign went out several hours into the event, he said.

"I just got no cards all night," said Ensign, who bluffed his last hand in the Texas hold 'em tournament.

"I had a Jack, seven off-suit," Ensign said. "It doesn't matter (what you have) when you're bluffing."

The event sponsored by the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and held at Washington's Mayflower Hotel, netted $200,000 for two foundation programs: one that offers grants to research scientists and an art therapy program for young cancer patients. Clear Channel lobbyist Robert Fisher won the tournament. Since lawmakers were "co-hosting" the event, they were not required to pay the $1,000 donation to get in the game, a foundation spokeswoman said.

Ensign said he came away with no tips on how to bluff or beat politicians at poker -- there were no other lawmakers at his table. Ensign, the only Nevada lawmaker in the tournament, said he rarely plays poker.

"It was a real kick, and it was for a really nice cause," Ensign said.