Are you ready for some poker?
The Fountain Valley Community Foundation’s next Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament is set for Saturday, March 3 at the Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center.
This is a charity tournament with your registration fee going directly to the nonprofit you designate. Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $700,000 for local nonprofit causes.
I don’t know if I am in the minority these days, but when I was growing up, my parents – being the caring parents they were – felt it was important to teach me how to play poker. It’s something all parents should teach their seven-year-olds.
We played simple games like “Five-card Draw,” “Seven-card Stud,” “Lowball” and “No-Peeky.” OK, we did occasionally play a little “3s and Jacks, King with the Ax, Pair of 7s Takes All,” but I don’t want to upset poker purists.
Texas Hold ‘Em is the rage in poker circles these days. You can come across Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments on TV just about any given time on any given day.
To the novice, this game might look daunting but it really isn’t. Here’s the deal, so to speak:
Two cards (called the hole cards) are dealt face down to each player. Then, five community cards are dealt face up in three stages. The stages consist of a series of three cards (“the flop”), later an additional single card (“the turn”) and a final card (“the river”).
Each player seeks the best five-card poker hand from any combination of the seven cards.
Players have betting options to check, call, raise or fold. Rounds of betting take place before the flop is dealt and after each subsequent deal.
Got that?
Even if you don’t, it’s OK. There are usually seasoned Hold ‘Em players at each table who will happily guide you during the game. Don’t be intimidated if they have nicknames like Amarillo Jack or The Mole.
This tournament is all in good fun.
Cost to register online for the tournament is $25; go to fvcommunityfoundation.org. Or you can register the night of the tournament for $30 starting at 5:15 p.m. The first hand is dealt at 6 p.m. You can purchase rebuys (more chips) for $20 up until 8 p.m.
Eventually, players will be eliminated until there is only one active table with the finalists. Even if you’re knocked out of the tournament, you may want to hang around to see who becomes the big winner.
It’s a fun evening that includes food and beverages. There’s also a silent auction, so if you don’t win at poker, there are lots of other ways to go home a winner.
And if you do win a big prize, and need help carrying it to your car, I’m sure Amarillo Jack can help.
The senior center is at 17967 Bushard St. For more information, call (714) 457-3557.