Monday October 5, 2015 11:43 AM
Area residents can try their hand at Texas Hold ‘Em poker during a new tournament sponsored by American Legion Post 254.
The tournament will begin at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Legion Hall, 180 W. Maple St.
Post Commander Rick Petersen said nine dealers have been practicing every other Tuesday since June. On Sept. 29 the Legion held a mini-tournament for the dealers to practice.
“We have a lot of serious players in the area so we want to be prepared and have well-trained dealers,” Petersen said. “We want people to feel good about playing with us.”
John Rinard, a Legion member, will be running the tournament. He is hoping at least 50 community members come out to play.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great way to support the Legion as well as our community’s veterans.” he said. “The tournament will be similar to what people have seen on TV.”
Rinard has been playing the game for more than 10 years now and said he liked the strategy of the game.
“By now, I am able to almost guess what other people’s cards are,” he said.
The initial buy-in costs $40 for 5,000 in chips and $10 goes to the Legion while the rest goes into the pot.
To buy back into the tournament, before the fourth round, it costs $30 for 5,000 in chips and $15 goes to the Legion.
For those who make it to the fourth round, they can buy 8,000 in additional chips for $40 and all of that money goes to the Legion.
The money raised will be used in the general membership fund to support the community and veteran’s projects, Rinard said.
Registration is from 1 to 3 p.m. and snacks will be available during the tournament.
For additional information, call Rick Petersen at 740-901-1245.
Debbie Gillum Wakefield 