Put on a Poker Face

Tokkun! poka feisu (特訓！ポーカーフェイス) is the 152nd chapter of the manga and the third chapter of the Gambler King Arc.

Synopsis
At school Ranma, Ukyo, and Akane all practice their card skills, but Nabiki arrives to give them some pointers. She tells everyone that the Gambling King has some very obvious tells that will help them win. Unfortunately Ranma has the same obvious tells as the King. Ranma works on getting rid of his revealing facial expressions while the rest of the Tendos start to win their home back.

Plot Overview
Having skipped class, Ranma, Akane and Ukyo decide to head to the school roof so that they can have some last minute training before they face the Gambling King again this afternoon. Unfortunately Ranma is still struggling to master his gambling techniques. Eventually, Akane comments on how they can't all stay at Ucchan's forever, prompting Ukyo to remind Akane she's welcome to leave any time.

After Ranma tries to reassure Akane that he'll win back her family's house and Dojo, Nabiki arrives with an offer to reveal how to beat the Gambling King. Continuing, Nabiki reminds the group how she's the only one to have beaten the Gambling King, although she was cheated in the end, before adding that while she played the King she noticed some habits of his. To demonstrate, Nabiki draws a hand and shows that by pushing up the ever so slightly the King will always choose it.

This revelation shocks Akane, although Ranma isn't as convinced before falling foul to the trick when Akane tries it herself. Carrying on, Nabiki reveals that when the King holds the Joker and you put your hand on it, he looks really happy and when you switch he looks very depressed. Yet again Ranma is subjected to Ukyo testing Nabiki's observations and once more Ranma's shown to have the same reaction when someone puts their hand on the Joker, leaving everyone to agree that it's no wonder Ranma can't win.

That afternoon the Tendos and Genma return to Casino King in order to reclaim their home and Dojo. Once inside, Kasumi questions Akane as to the whereabouts of Ranma, causing Akane to recall Ranma declaring he'll arrive as soon as he's gotten rid of his weaknesses (which is easier said than done) before requesting Akane drag the match out until then. With no another moment to lose the Tendos and Genma prepare to face the Gambling King as Akane hopes Ranma hurries up.

Elsewhere, Ranma is busily subjecting himself to a rigorous training program with Ukyo to try and remove his weaknesses. Unfortunately Ranma still finds himself reacting, which eventually causes Ukyo to suggest he give up since he's obviously not made for gambling. Ranma, however, is still determined to continue training until he has not facial expressions at all.

Back at the Casino King and the Tendo sisters are easily defeating the King and reclaiming sections of the Tendo household. Soun, however, is still losing continuously which leaves the sisters to pick up the slack in winning back other portions of the house.

Upon winning back all the parts of the house, Nabiki and Kasumi start making their way out of the Casino when suddenly declares he bets the living room against the Tendo Dojo. This infuriates Nabiki and Kasumi who project their Battle Auras to scare their father into not losing the whole house again. At this moment Akane steps in and takes her father's place against the King, but just as the game is about to begin Ranma bursts through the door with Ukyo, declaring that he's taking over.

Akane asks if Ranma has actually improved, to which Ukyo replies that he hasn't at all since, no matter what she tried, the facial expressions kept coming. But at that moment Ranma reveals that, thanks to the training, the King can't see his facial expression underneath all the bandages he's wearing.

Having heard enough, the King agrees to a one-on-one match with Ranma. Nabiki, however, warns Ranma not to trust the King since he wouldn't act so noble if he didn't have a plan to defeat him. The King then brings up what Ranma will wager in their match, prompting Ukyo to declare she's putting up the deed to Okonomiyaki Ucchan's. Akane immediately questions Ukyo's decision, but Ukyo informs Akane that it doesn't matter to her as she's made an agreement with Ranma about what will happen should he lose.

As Akane wonders just what the agreement is, Ranma smugly reminds the King that even his emotions are concealed, although the young child looking on can easily see that Ranma is smiling underneath his bandages. Seeing this, Akane can't help but think at just how unsuited for gambling Ranma is.

Cast in Order of Appearance

 * Hiroshi and Daisuke
 * Yuka and Sayuri
 * Ranma Saotome (male)
 * Ukyo Kuonji
 * Akane Tendo
 * Nabiki Tendo
 * Genma Saotome (panda)
 * Soun Tendo
 * Kasumi Tendo
 * Gambling King

Quotes

 * (Soun) "I challenge you!"
 * (Nabiki) "Daddy's gotten better, right?"
 * (Kasumi) "Well... he says he has..."

Trivia

 * This is chapter reveals Nabiki and Kasumi's ability to project Battle Aura, just like their father.