Poker in the Park V is not only about poker, although that is the main feature of the London event, with a marquee now added to the two-day festival that is dedicated to other games such as rummy, chess and mahjong.
Poker in the Park V Expands to Rummy, Chess and Mahjong
Poker in the Park V is not only about poker, although that is the main feature of the London event, with a marquee now added to the two-day festival that is dedicated to other games such as rummy, chess and mahjong.
Of course, poker fans will be in the majority at the Bodog sponsored free Hanover Square event from September 2-3 to take advantage of the many tournaments, lectures from pros, book signings, tutorials and high quality entertainment on offer, as well as copious amounts of poker booty at very competitive prices.
But the organisers of the largest poker festival in Europe have rightly acknowledged the obvious links between poker and chess, in particular, when expanding this year’s event in the Mayfair area of Britain’s capital city – and will now include an exhibition match from International Master Malcolm Pein.
The 50-year-old Brit – who has been an International Master since 1985 – will compete against numerous opponents during a special match that supplies anyone who defeats or draws with him with a prize.
English Grand Master Simon ‘The Ginger GM’ Williams will also be at Poker in the Park V to play some speed chess matches around the clock.
Fans of rummy – which certainly possesses many aspects in common with poker – are not left out of the action, though, as they will also have the opportunity to test their skills at the marquee, while mahjong enthusiasts will also be able to play in the biggest event in Europe devoted to the game of skill, strategy and calculation that also – similar to poker – involves a certain amount of luck.
Michael Caselli, the event organiser, said that, although “we’re ultimately a poker festival…there’s a lot of crossover between poker and these other skill games and it’s really fun to diversify”.
He added that “this year’s Poker in the Park is about offering an eclectic mix, with more entertainment and a wider variety of games”.
Caselli and his fellow organisers have added a main stage to this year’s event that will provide “the very best in live music, big-name comedians, magic shows, card ninjas and a chess grand master playing speed chess against multiple opponents”, but will also play host to the second British Poker Awards on the Saturday.
Caselli continued by saying that “we’re really excited about this year’s Poker in the Park, with the main stage offering the best in entertainment” to create “that summer festival feel”.
More updates on this fantastic event will follow, so keep your eyes open for any new additions.