No-Limit Poker Growing In Fayetteville Free Nightly Tourneys Offered At Two Locations

By Mike Capshaw

The Morning News

FAYETTEVILLE -- The hottest sport in the world can be played for free in Northwest Arkansas on any night of the week.

It's No-Limit, Texas Hold'em Poker and the no-limit means any player can risk all of their chips at any time. Some compare the rush of going "all-in" to high-adrenaline sports such a skydiving, but they don't always land on two feet.

When they do, the elation triggers an instant euphoria, which promptly ends when hole cards are dealt for the next hand.

"The thing I love most about this game is the chips, the cards, but most of all, it's the anticipation," said tourney regular Tanya Pelt.

Popularity of "The Cadillac of Poker " as it's known throughout the poker playing world in recent years has hit its stride since amateur Chris Moneymaker, playing in his first-ever tournament, won the 2003 World Series of Poker which is aired annually (and replayed weekly) on the ESPN network.

It can now be found on at least five cable channels (ESPN, Fox Sports Net, Bravo, The Travel Channel and The Game Show Network) with each televising its own version of a championship, be it between professionals, amateurs or celebrities.

NBC became the first major network to join the craze this past Sunday when it broadcasted "The Poker Superstars Championship" as a preliminary to the Super Bowl.

Fayetteville's version, called the American Amateur Poker League, was started five months ago and the owners have visions of expanding to other cities across the state such as Little Rock, Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.

"It's a great way to learn the game and it's not going to cost you anything," said Lee Bruegger, one of the league co-owners. "Where else can you come out and meet people with a common interest and it not cost you a thing?"

Right now, the tournaments are only for points, practice and pride. Eventually, the founders hope the points lead to something more, such as a buy-in (or ticket) to a satellite tournament that sends its winner onto the World Series of Poker or the World Poker Tour, another premiere event which dishes out millions of dollars to top finishers.

Currently, Arkansas' gambling statutes don't allow any prizes or cash to be awarded for any game played with cards. Different interpretations of the statute are being sought by the league.

But for now, most folks who play the nightly tourneys in Fayetteville aren't too concerned. They simply enjoy the costless competition and camaraderie.

"It's free and you meet a lot of good people, good friends," said Matt Esry, who attends tourneys with his wife, Anne, on most nights. "And it's a great environment and learning experience, in case you want to go to Tunica, Miss., or Las Vegas or anywhere like that."

Everyone is welcomed to the tourney and entry fee is a simple signature with between 30-60 patrons signing up for each game. And it's a more diverse group than any bridge club or pool tourney with both women and men ranging in age from 15 to 50 and beyond.

There are always two games per night, but as many as four per day at either Big Daddy'sSports Bar & Grill on Dickson Street or Quittin' Time on Sixth Street in south Fayetteville.

"You don't have to be a poker wizard to come play," said Esry, who hosts some of the free tourneys. "And 99.9 percent of the people here won't get irritated or be impatient with you. They'll tell you what you have.

"It's all friendly and it's free."

The American Amateur Poker League Web site address can be accessed at www.burnNturn.net. The site features local game times and other basic information, but will be interactive in the coming months.