The America's Poker Classic at The Bicycle Casino

We have all watched the action pay-out at the World Series of Poker on ESPN and the drama unfold at World Poker Tour final tables on television.

But have you ever thought that it could be you on T.V.? The television announcer will tell you about the millions of dollars that will go to the top finisher, right before informing you about the $10K, $15K or even $25K buy-in to play. Of course, there is often one amateur at the table who won a seat in a satellite for a nominal fee, but the announcers are often quick to imply that the odds against him (or her) to win that seat were tremendous. The idea that you could be one of 6 to 9 people sitting at a final table playing for millions of dollars after wading through a field of hundreds of poker players (many of whom are professionals) is merely a fantasy that will never come true. Or is it?

What you see on T.V. is usually the final table of what is known as The Main Event, which is often the last event after weeks of different tournament events held in a series. The Main Event of the Los Angeles Poker Classic ("LAPC") held annually at the Commerce Casino in the City of Commerce, California, has been the christening event for some of the world's most notable poker professionals. But did you know that the LAPC is a series event that lasts for over 4-weeks? What you may not have known was that many of the tournaments at the LAPC cost less than $500 to play, and even less out-of-pocket if you were to win satellite tokens from 10-player sit-and-go's which follow a similar format to most on-line single table tournaments (and maybe even your own home game). This year, there was not just one winner and not just 6 players won money; rather, there were dozens of winners and scores of people who "cashed" at the LAPC in February 2009. Instead of being a spectator from your couch, why don't you give a tournament a try?

All of the local Los Angeles area card houses have daily tournaments starting at less than $100 to play. Many have guarantees of $5,000.00 or more. These tournaments are a great place to start. Your skills will be tested by both amateurs looking for an entertaining afternoon as well as top professionals who earn their living playing tournaments. Believe it or not, you may find yourself sitting across the felt from at least one tournament professional who has earned hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars playing in poker tournaments. In addition, several Los Angeles area casinos hold a series event nearly every other month.

The Bicycle Casino (more affectionately known as, "The Bike") is holding the America's Poker Classic from April 9 to April 26, 2009. The very first event on April 9th will cost $100.00 plus a $20.00 entry fee. You can even register on-line at www.thebicyclecasino.com by selecting the tournament event of your choice and using a credit card to purchase the desired event. Satellites begin at 11:00 a.m. daily and can cost as little as $40.00. Moreover, The Bike's tournament room is undergoing renovation so the field of play may be limited to 350 players (on average, The Bike can accommodate over 700 players). With such low cost buy-in fees and a limited field of players, the America's Poker Classic event is a great way to get your feet wet. Even if you do not participate, I encourage you to take a trip to The Bike this April and see a poker tournament for yourself.

News Added: 08 April, 2009

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