They say love at first sight doesn't exist, but for one couple in Texas they can use a unique twist on that saying and say that love happened at first 'dealt' hand.
(prHWY.com) May 29, 2012 - Seattle, WA -- They say love at first sight doesn't exist, but for one couple in Texas they can use a unique twist on that saying and say that love happened at first 'dealt' hand. Over a game of Texas Holdem Poker in a virtual online poker site, the couple met and began a blooming relationship.
"There was just something about the way that her avatar held the cards", explained Matthew Mitchel. "I knew it was a girl that I had to know and I did everything I could in my power to get to know her better and have her notice me."
Matthew Mitchel was part of a regular online poker site that held numerous tournaments throughout the day. The online poker community on the site averages about 5,000 players, which allows many of the players to encounter each other numerous times throughout their poker experience.
"If you play on the site long enough you will notice that you are playing against the same people day in and day out", explained Mitchel. "It was one of the first things I did to get Sammy to notice me. I started playing in tournaments when she was on and playing."
Unlike
some poker sites, that do not allow communication and banter between hands, the site that Mitchel played on regularly allows extensive communication during and between played hands. This chat function is what allowed Matthew and Sammy to develop a budding relationship.
"It started off with cute little flirty remarks", said Sammy. "When this first happened I just brushed it off as just another guy hitting on me. When you are an active player in the poker community long enough that happens because the number of guys to girls is disproportionate."
Noticing that the two had some type of online chemistry the two decided to meet for a more personal one-on-one chat. The couple chatted numerous times over the course of two months on Skype and Facebook, and finally decided that they should take the relationship one step further.
"We decided that we should actually meet in person and see how things felt then", explained Sammy. "I was extremely nervous but it was the best decision I've ever made. I met my soul mate that day, and we've been inseparable since."
The couple who wed in January has amazing news. They are expecting their first child sometime in the winter. The story they will have about how mom and dad met will be an interesting and unique one for the child that is for sure.
"We are so excited for our first child", said Matthew. "I just know he or she will be a poker nut like his parents."
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