WELWYN, ENGLAND-I got an email last night from a reader wanting to know just what the bloody heck was the Scandinavian Masters and who is Lennaard?
First things first....the festivities began here at Brocket Hall on August 17 with the Ken Lennaard Invitational Poker Tournament. Lennaard is a Swedish poker pro and a former reality TV winner. Party Poker invited 18 Scandinavian players to play in the freeroll. In order to participate, the players had to agree to buy ($5000) into the Scandinavian Masters tournament going on right now. Others playing in the Masters event could either buy-in directly or qualify online. Both tournaments are open to Scandinavian players only...with the exception of David Ulliott a.k.a Devilfish....a special guest who is playing in Heat 6 tomorrow.
Right now no one is paying much attention to chip counts. Competitors play in "heats" which are like sit-n-go's with a $5000 buy-in. The winner of each heat goes onto the final table on Wednesday. Because PartyPoker uses U.S. dollars on their site, chip counts will be reported in USD.
The events aren't in Scandinavian countries because it is illegal to play poker there unless the government organizes it. While the tournament could be organized in a private room, Scandi TV couldn't televise it later or even advertise the event...so Party decided to have it here.
Another interesting legal tidbit...all players had to sign an agreement that they wouldn't drink alcohol on the property...a displeasing fact for the Fins who apparently like their drink. In England, most pubs have notices posted stating that gambling on the property isn't allowed. Pubs, bars, and other places with a liquor license can't be a gambling venue unless the also carry a gambling license. Brocket Hall was worried that authorities would have a problem with the Scandinavian Master tournament on their premises without a gambling license when they can sell alcohol. So with the exception of wine offered with one meal the night of the Lennaard Invitational, players have had to visit the Crooked Chimney down the street if they want to indulge. Otherwise, it's only apple juice with dinner here.
I have to say after the WSOP, it's strange not seeing drinky players partying it up once play has ceased for the day.
UPDATE:Players have just been banned from smoking inside Brocket Hall as well. What?...poker and no drinking or smoking? Get your umbrellas boys and girls smoking is only outdoors!
