As 2011 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the worst year for poker since Bill Hickock drew a pair of eights to go with his Aces and thought, “This hand’s so good, they should give it a name.” Sure there were some good things: the WSOP final table was dramatic and Elky was kicked in the face, but here, during the season of light, all I can think about is the dark day we call Black Friday.

I talk to poker players all the time. And every one of them is having a hard time since Black Friday. Even the recreational players are unhappy—and they were losing money online! But still there is hope. The PPA continues to fight for the rights of poker players. I have some issues with the organization, but they’re all tiny in the face of getting online poker back. And there seem to be smart people working on getting this issue resolved. Even those who are called to testify by the opposition. Hopefully, their voices will drown out the idiots claiming moral and religious reasons for opposition. Poker is not immoral, and someone’s imaginary friend shouldn’t guide government policy.

But what can we do? Joining the PPA or writing your congressman can help, but really, one of the best things you can do is educate your family members. Most people visit their families during the holidays, and most families are not exactly supportive of poker as a means of making a living. This often leads to them being in opposition of online poker. But they can be turned around. I know my father was not enamored of the idea of me playing cards for a living. But luckily, he was a mathmetician, and once I explained the math, he quickly realized how poker worked. Then he was my go-to guy for any statistical or odds questions. Moms can be tougher, but if you explain how you’re making money doing what you love, they’ll often come around. And every family member you convince of the legitimacy of online poker is one less voice raised in opposition.

Speaking of opposition, what is Sands chairman, Sheldon Adelson, thinking speaking out against online poker? Online poker is the reason the Venetian—which is owned by the Sands—has a poker room! And now that same poker room is being boycotted by most right-thinking players. First Full Tilt is taken from me and now the Venetian.

All reasons that I can’t wait for 2011 to be over. I’m expecting better things in 2012.