I must admit something.
It’s not something I tell everyone.
You see, although I’m an American…
And although I’m a man…
I don’t really know how to play poker.
Sure, I’ve played it in the past, but I don’t really know the difference between a flush and a straight, I always lose, and sometimes I can go years without playing one game.
It’s just not my cup of tea.
But last Wednesday a friend invited me to poker night at his place.
“Maybe it’s time I learned this game,” I thought.
So off I went.
At the table were two Russians, two Czechs and an Italian.
“You know how to play Texas Hold’em, right?” someone asked the only person who had actually been to Texas.
“Sure,” I lied.
Then the cards were dealt.
I watched what the others did.
I did the same.
I made mistakes.
But soon I made fewer and fewer.
And before I lost, I managed to actually win a few hands.
Most importantly, I had fun and was invited back to the next poker night.
What are the rules?
What’s the difference between a flush and a straight?
I still don’t know.
But I can play and have fun.
Isn’t it the same story with your English?
You can learn the rules and study.
Or you can just show up, copy what others are saying, and have fun.
Two styles of learning.
You’ve probably already tried the first.
How about trying the second….?