Everyone reading this should have some understanding of the age old game known as "Poker"... Yes you have heard of this? Why then has the game suddenly soared in popularity around the world and more recently in South Africa? Allow me to explain...

If you have at some time entered a dimly lit room with people huddled around a table covered in chips, cards and whiskey bottles then you probably walked right into a home game of No-Limit Texas Hold 'em Poker!

Every single week in Durban groups of guys (and sometimes girls) get together for whats generally known as "Poker Night". This poker phenomenon is mainly due to the new form of poker known as Texas Hold 'em. This form of poker has become so popular because of its playability and fun, more importantly it is the form of poker where the most "skillful" players have the ability to win more money from their opponents than before. Due to the way the game is played it is far easier to bluff, read your opponents cards and apply basic maths to the game to improve your results.

This form of poker appeals to everyone: Some guys play just to get away from their girlfriends for the night, others like to spend time with "the boys" but they don't do other "macho" stuff like play sports, some just love to gamble whilst others arrive kitted with sunglasses, an iPod and a bottle of still water. Some people have become so good at the game that they have quit their job (voluntarily) and lost their girlfriend (involuntarily) to turn pro. They soon join the ranks of thousands of others worldwide playing poker against each other online and in high stakes home games....it's that easy.

As far as the Durban scene goes I have heard of very few big tournaments on offer. Aside from a few tournaments in Westville earlier last year and one in Umhlanga there is not much happening. Most of the tournaments are in Joburg or in Swaziland (see DSTV channel 121). So if poker is your thing and you looking for a change from your regular "home game" then come on down to Mt Edgecombe CC on Thursday the 25th of January!

Poker Tournament

N-L Texas Hold 'em
Mt Edgecombe CC, Kingfisher Room
Thurs 25th Jan
R200 Buy in

18:00 - 18:45 Registration
18:45 - 19:00 Seating
19:00 Start!

Deep stacks & reasonable blind structure
Professionally run

Limited to 54 players!

Must Confirm your place: SMS name to 078 581 5294
Queries sethtuna@yahoo.com