POKER FACE
"You don't seem very impressed," Kirk commented once he had finished explaining the rules of poker to his First Officer.
"The fact the game is based almost exclusively on luck does not greatly appeal to me," Spock admitted. "With no form or concept of strategy involved, I fail to see how this game is any different than say, rolling a die to see who will get the highest number."
"Ah but you see Spock, that's where you're wrong," Kirk answered earnestly. "Poker isn't just about luck - it's all about interpreting people. It doesn't really matter what hand you've been dealt so long as you can read the other players, and bluff to your advantage."
"Similar to how you dealt with Balok today, when you "bluffed" about the corbomite," Spock said, nodding. "I see now what you mean. Most fascinating."
"Exactly!" Kirk pulled out a deck of cards, grinning. "So how about a game?"
"Kirk to sickbay. Bones, you there?"
With something akin to a snarl, McCoy stamped over to the comm and slammed down the button. "Jim I'm just about to finish my shift and if you think-!"
"Oh I know Bones," Kirk responded brightly. "I was wondering if you felt like playing some poker? I've just given Spock a quick lesson..."
The stress of the day lifted from McCoy's shoulders in an instant and he smirked at the thought of finally besting the Vulcan First Officer at something.
"I'll be right there."
"I thought Vulcans couldn't lie," McCoy grumbled, watching as yet more of his money was scooped into Spock's growing pile.
"We prefer not to," Spock replied, now turning to the Captain, who watched sadly as his money went the same way as McCoy's, "but we acknowledge the necessity in certain situations and to not do so in a game based around the concept of bluffing would be illogical."
"Of course it would," McCoy muttered sourly, wondering why neither he or Jim had considered the advantages of a Vulcan poker face.
"Another round gentlemen?"
Author's Note: Reposted from an old fic of mine that's since been deleted.