Travel Calender

TRAVEL, THEY say, broadens the mind. Poker players these days must be expanding their mental horizons quite considerably. In March, for instance, numerous players players have taken the Eurostar to Paris for the Euro-Finals of poker at the Aviation Club. Some have gone on to play at the Concord Card Casino in Vienna or sample the charms of playing in Baden-Baden in Germany. All this is in addition to a heavy tournament schedule around Britain, including the "Great Britain Hold 'em Championship" at the Rainbow Casino in Birmingham from March 29-April 8.

How do you find about all these events? One way is via the brochure Poker Europa, which appears every two months. This publication, edited by Nic Szeremeta, has grown from small beginnings to become a full-colour guide to the European scene. It is distributed free to casinos and is also available on subscription. On the net, the newsletter www.poker-in-the-uk.com edited by Mark Strahan, is described as the definitive guide to playing poker in the U.K. and Ireland. It lists much useful information and is currently conducting a survey of players, on how to improve British cards rooms.

In that regard, I am glad to report that the Grosvenor Victoria in London, W.2., is planning a major poker festival in October. This represents a bid by the Vic to regain its former standing as the leading card club of Europe. Extra space to stage EPPA (European Poker Players' Association) tournaments will be found by putting additional tables in the snack bar.

You want more? How about a poker cruise through the Greek islands? Poker Europa is promoting a cruise starting in Venice aboard the 47,900-ton liner the Mistral, from September 23-30, with prices ranging from €798 for a four-berth cabin to €2,017 for a mini-suite with balcony. (The euro is currently worth just under £1). I have done a couple of Caribbean cruises with Poker Digest and rate the experience very highly. There is plenty of other entertainment on board to amuse spouses and partners who do not happen to play cards.

Support for the game is clearly spreading throughout Britain and across the continent. Although Late Night Poker, the excellent Channel 4 series, goes out so late, at about 1 am. on Friday nights, it is attracting enthusiastic audiences.