She really knows when to fold ‘em
When Annie Duke was 26, it seemed as if her career path was set. After majoring in psychology and English literature at Columbia, she was nearing a PhD in psycholinguistics at the University of Pennsylvania when she jumped ship and ran away to Montana to marry a man she scarcely knew. But after four children, her onetime dream of a life in academia seemed like a hallucination.
Today, more than a dozen years later and single again, Duke is one of the premier female poker players on the planet, capped by the $2-million title she won last year in Las Vegas. A book on her improbable life journey, “Annie Duke: How I Raised, Folded, Bluffed, Flirted, Cursed and Won Millions at the World Series of Poker,” was released this month, and now there are movie deals, game shows and TV series in the offing. It’s enough to make anyone yearn for a relaxing weekend at home in the Hollywood Hills.
Royal flush
On a Friday night I’d love to go out to a concert. I just saw the White Stripes at the Greek Theatre and it was just amazing. It was an early birthday present from my boyfriend, [actor] Joe Reitman. For dinner, I’d go to the Geisha House. I love the crispy rice with spicy tuna. After the concert, I’d probably just head for home and watch TV. Sometimes going out to clubs is fun, but I travel so much that it’s always nice just to be at home.
On Saturday morning I’d wake up and snuggle with my kids in bed for a long time and then make breakfast. I’m kind of a workaholic, and so I’m not afraid to add new things to my schedule, but you have to know how to relax too. That’s why when someone approached me about the book, I liked the idea, because I thought it was important to be able to share how to balance things. I wanted people to know that you can change your life and take control of your choices and emotions. I don’t have moments of depression or doubt anymore, but it was a long struggle to get there.
So after we play around the house, I’ll take the kids to lunch and then to the movies. They are good restaurant kids, and they like Mexican food, so we might go to Baja Fresh on Melrose or Tere’s in Hollywood. I like the chicken asada, and they like bean and cheese burritos.
In the evening, Joe and I would go out with my agent and manager, who are also our friends, and I’d love a steak place, like Sterling in West Hollywood. I always get the bone-in rib eye. The sweet-potato fries are great, and the Caesar salad is fantastic. After dinner, we might go to Lucky Strike in Hollywood for some bowling.
All-in
On Sunday, like most days, I’d exercise for an hour on my Pilates machine, have breakfast at home and go shopping. I like the shops on Robertson, and Saks is always a good bet. Melrose has some great places; I’d probably buy some shoes. I also like Lisa Kline -- a lot of cool jeans and tops.
Later in the day I’d have a barbecue for my kids and some friends. I don’t cook a lot, but I like to barbecue, chicken and steaks for the adults and probably burgers for the kids. In the evening, we might finish off the weekend by going to Guy’s, a small club on Beverly in West Hollywood that has jazz on Sunday nights. Nice place.
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-- Mark Sachs