As a boy of 14, I was very fortunate to find a hobby shop near my home that was owned by a retired PBY captain named Al Younghaus. It is where I met lifelong friends and where I first began playing wargames, a hobby I continue today. I can remember my first game, played on a blue carpet with miniature World War II ships. The game was Seekrieg.

Although I am not a military professional, there is, I think, some insight to be gained from playing these games. The best games, in my opinion, are those in which economies are integrated with the production of military units. Of course, Texas Hold’em is ultimately about probabilities — and about understanding your opponents.