Chilean Miners Stay Sane with Poker
While many of us have accused our beloved game of poker of occasionally pushing us to the mental brink (think nut flush getting cracked on the river when the board pairs), there are at least some trapped Chilean miners who are using it to keep from losing their minds.
The former Chilean soccer hero, 53-year-old Franklin Lobos, played for Chile in the 80s when he was renowned for his amazing free kicks. Since retiring in ’95, Lobos got work as miner where he eventually ended up in the mine disaster which has left 33 miners stranded underground for what will be months to come.
Lobo’s Daughter, Carolina, has recently made statements about how she knows her father will mentally survive in the mine and it apparently has nothing to do with his career as a footballer.
“It will be difficult, I’m sure, but I’m not worried about him. I know he is happy and content down there because he is playing lots of poker and cards. It is good for his mind,” Carolina said.
Lobo and his 32 fellow trapped miners are going to need all the help they can get as they struggle with the challenges of being trapped 700 meters underground for months on end.
Prior to the discovery of the miners by burrowing cameras, they had been trapped for 17 days and surviving on two mouthfuls of tuna and a half glass of milk per day. Now, through a six-inch hole, the trapped miners are receiving a steady supply of water and glucose, as well as letters from their families. Clean clothes are also being delivered to the men via metal canisters.
Though it is believe the men will nourished physically, keeping their spirits up, as well as maintaining their sanity is another challenge. So an activity like poker and other card games will not only keep them engaged, but also help to pass the time.
Meanwhile, Geotec, a major commercial drilling business is implementing a technology called “Plan B” that could have the miners out two months sooner than expected. Initially thought they would see the light of day in December, a specialized device to widen one of the three narrow boreholes could rescue the miners much faster.
“We can broaden the hole that is already there with the latest generation machines and using a wider diameter bore,” said Walter Herrera, a senior manager with Geotec.”We think it could be quicker than the other plan. In ideal conditions, this could take about two months.”
And in a happy twist, 44-year-old Esteban Rojas sent a marriage proposal to his long-time love, Jessica Yanez. The pair were apparently married in a civil ceremony 25 years ago, but never got to have the church ceremony customary in Chile. Rojas sent Yanez a proposal in a letter.
“Please keep praying that we get out of this alive. And when I do get out, we will buy a dress and get married,” Rojas wrote on the scrap of paper.
Rojas and Yanez were able to speak for 20 seconds by phone on Sunday through a line rigged through the mine. Rojas plans to spend his time stuck in the mine planning his wedding to Yanez and of course, playing poker.
