Ep 3. According to Hoyle

Bret Maverick is a charming gambler who always manages to get himself into sticky situations. In "According to Hoyle," the third episode of the show's first season, Maverick finds himself involved in a high-stakes poker game.

The episode opens with Maverick walking into a saloon, where he spots a well-dressed man named George Hoyle. Hoyle is known for being one of the best poker players in the West, and Maverick is immediately intrigued. He asks if Hoyle wants to play some cards, and Hoyle agrees.

The two men sit down at a table, and Maverick notices that Hoyle is playing with a deck of cards that has been marked in a subtle way. He doesn't say anything at first, but he starts to get suspicious when Hoyle keeps winning hand after hand. Maverick decides to take a closer look at the deck and confirms that it has indeed been marked.

Maverick knows that he can't let Hoyle keep cheating, so he comes up with a plan to even the playing field. He recruits a woman named Samantha Crawford, who is also a skilled poker player, to join the game. Maverick and Crawford work together to distract Hoyle while they switch his marked deck with a clean one.

The plan seems to be working, but just when Maverick thinks he's got the upper hand, Hoyle reveals that he knew all along that his deck had been switched. He challenges Maverick to a final hand, and if he wins, Maverick has to leave town.

The final hand is tense and full of twists and turns, but in the end, Maverick comes out on top. Hoyle begrudgingly admits that Maverick is a worthy opponent, and the two men part ways.

Throughout the episode, Maverick's wit and charm are on full display. He's always one step ahead of everyone else, and he's able to think on his feet even in the midst of a high-pressure situation. The episode also shows the importance of trust and collaboration. Maverick knows that he can't beat Hoyle on his own, so he enlists the help of Crawford to even the odds. Together, they're able to outsmart their opponent and come out victorious.

Overall, "According to Hoyle" is a fun and engaging episode that showcases the best of Maverick's character. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned Western tale of poker, deceit, and ultimately, redemption.