A tournament here is an evening of cards with a beginning, an interval and an end. Nobody pays to enter, nobody wins anything of value, and the finalist is remembered on a board.
Before you enter
What kind of tournament is it?
A tournament at Quandong Parlour is played with chips, in person, over about three hours. There is no entry fee, no deposit and no add-on, and no cash or other prize is awarded. The winner is named Champion of the evening, and that is the whole of the reward.
The game is Texas Hold'em, on the Friday of each week, with Omaha and Seven Card Stud offered at less formal evenings. Each tournament is limited to twenty players, and a short waiting list is kept for those who wish to take the place of anyone who withdraws.
We recommend a tournament to anyone who enjoys a long evening and a friendly competition. Guests who have never played in one are encouraged to come and watch first, and the dealer will describe each stage as it occurs. Many of our regular players began exactly that way, and several now help the dealer explain the structure to newcomers on the day.
From list to board
How is the evening arranged?
The list opens at noon
Names are taken by telephone or at the host's desk from noon on the day. The list closes at twenty players, and Felicity Morrison keeps a second list for anyone who would like to take the place of a withdrawal.
Supper together
Dinner is served from half past five, and tournament players are seated near one another where possible. The kitchen offers a single-course supper for those who wish to eat quickly and be ready for the first hand.
The bell at half past seven
The ship's bell is struck twice and the tournament room is opened. Players give their names to the dealer at the main table, show proof of age and take their seats as they are called.
Seats by lot
Seats are chosen by drawing a numbered card from a shoe held by the floor manager. The draw is repeated whenever tables are merged, so that no player can rely on a favourable position for the whole evening.
Chips are counted out
Every player receives an identical tray of chips, counted aloud by the dealer. The chips are lent for the evening, hold no value, and cannot be exchanged, sold or taken from the room.
Twenty-five-minute levels
The blinds rise every twenty-five minutes, announced by a single stroke of a small bell. The dealer states the new level aloud, and a card on each table shows the amounts in play. Nobody is ever caught out by a change they did not hear.
The interval
After the fourth level there is a twenty-minute interval. Tea, coffee and scones are served in the front hall, the chips stay in their trays, and the casino room is quietly cleaned while the players stretch their legs.
Tables are merged
As players leave, tables are closed and the remaining players are redrawn to other tables. The room grows quieter, the play grows more careful, and those who have left often stay to watch the later hands from the rail.
The final table
When six players remain they move to the main table beneath the brass lamp. Play continues until a single player holds all of the chips, and each of the last hands is dealt slowly, in near silence.
The board
The winner's name is written on the board in the entrance hall, and in a ledger kept for the purpose. There is no cup, no certificate and no prize of any sort, only the title of Champion of the evening.
The structure
Which levels are played, and when?
Opening levels25 minutes
Two levels at the pace of a friendly game, with plenty of conversation.
Middle levels25 minutes
Two more levels, rising a little, then the interval for tea and scones.
Interval20 minutes
Chips stay at the tables; the room is tidied and the players stretch their legs.
Later levels25 minutes
Three levels with tables merging, concluding as the last tables close.
The final tableAs needed
Six players, the main table and the brass lamp, with the room watching and the dealer announcing every card in a low, even voice.
The boardA moment
The winner's name is written up and the room applauds, after which tea is served.
Are you eighteen or over?
Dinner is open to guests of all ages, but the casino room and its pages are for adults. Please confirm before you go on.
