byFor Louie and Shy
For Louie and ShyAn Italian and a Jew sit down to play cards. They invite a few of their friends—a Hungarian, a Pole, and a Greek—to join them.
I know, I know, it sounds like the start of a very bad joke and in some ways it was. But to Grandpa Louie and Grandpa Shy it was deadly serious, a life and death game for the Kaluki Kings of Queens.
Back in the day, they played the game all over the borough from Jackson Heights to Forest Hills to Rockaway at any synagogue or Knights of Columbus hall that had a couple of decks of cards.
Didn’t know how to play? Not to worry. Shy and Louie would teach you and take your money. They became so well known, they were even asked to play with one of the former borough presidents. I’d bet he went home a little lighter in the wallet.
