Poker run what is

If you want to race, buy an offshore raceboat built for the job and join a circuit with the requisite safety assets for racing. Poker runs are social events on open public waterways.

They are not races. Poker-run entry fees vary greatly from event to event depending on location, amenities and more. If you participate in a destination poker run where the fleet travels to a location and stays there overnight or multiple nights lodging and dock fees will be separate from your entry fee.

All reputable poker run organizers strictly prohibit captains from consuming alcoholic beverages while the run is underway. As for passengers, they are generally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages outside of their vessels, meaning at the lunch stop. As the person at the helm and responsible for the safety of everyone on board, the last thing you need is an inebriated passenger when it comes time to dock, much less respond to an on-water incident if needed.

Something else worth noting? Grab your buddies and your motorcycle communication system. Then, everyone is dealt five cards out of which they try to build a winning hand. The concept of a poker run is similar in that the participants collect cards and try to win a prize pot. A poker run will follow a predetermined route, often through a scenic, historic or urban area. The run will consist of five predetermined stops. At each stop, every participant draws a playing card and has it noted on a scorecard.

So, what is it that draws people to poker runs? Lots of things:. To simplify that issue, some people use poker chips marked with numbers. Who participates in poker runs? Riders of all types of bikes and riding styles ranging from cruisers to vintage iron, sportbikes to Gold Wing tourers; the poker run transcends all formats, makes, models and riding styles. Registration fees for poker runs are typically used to raise money for charities, clubs and good causes such as paying for a downed rider's medical bills who was underinsured.

Certain clubs like the Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts rely on their annual poker run as a way to raise part of the money for the club's annual operating budget. But is it gambling? A straight-out game of poker is gambling because it is purely a game of chance. To keep the local gambling commission at bay, many event promoters insert a game of skill into the route that helps determine the riders' final score.

Even before the event, you can sense the burning fever of anticipation as the gladiators of the sea are itching to head out on the open water.

A poker run is fun on the water with power to burn. Each participating boat navigates a carefully charted course, stopping at five checkpoints along the route to pick up a sealed envelope containing a single playing card. At the final checkpoint, the envelopes are opened and the crew holding the best poker hand is declared the winner! Signing on for a poker run also means being part of a well-organized, activity-oriented, fun-filled and safe event.

Naturally, it helps to have a great body of water, but equally as important are the card stops and special hosts that cater to poker runners throughout the run. Poker runs are events for the entire family. At each of the five checkpoints, host communities provide unique and entertaining activities, sometimes linked with waterfront festivals.