World Poker Tour Amateur Poker League

When I first relocated to Augusta, I lived in a hotel, alone, for a month before Dood joined me. Although the Marriott downtown was good to me, it offered me no way to pass the time. I found myself staying at work until 7:00 at night to keep myself from going insane. When I decided that I was not going to become "one of those people" I figured I would search for a poker league in Augusta...and I found one!!!

The World Poker Tour Amateur Poker League was formed in February 2004. I heard a rumor that Doyle Brunson started the Amateur League himself and then the WPT took it over, but I will confirm and get back to you! I haven't been able to dig up any factual information on that yet.

The league is free to join and is offered pretty much throughout the US. Bars and restaurants can sign up to host tournaments. The only requirements to join - you have to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. Around the Augusta area, there's a game almost every night.

Well, free poker, what fun is that? It's a great way to meet people, learn to play poker, practice playing poker and trying out different strategies once you get the game under your belt. You can also win a $10,000 seat into the actual WPT tournament to play with all the big dogs if you win
tournaments or earn a lot of points! You can read more about the various ways to win your glory at the WPT link.

I must warn you - you will run into ALL SORTS of card players in this league. Players like Dood and me, who are there just for fun, players that like to play everything (donkeys as they are called), players who like to chase, players who take it way too seriously, players that get drunk, players that get drunk and angry, players that get drunk and happy....I often find myself giggling by people watching.




We have also found some great bars by playing at the different venues. If you like to play poker, want to learn how to play poker, want to kill some time and meet new people, I recommend finding a tournament or league through the WPTAPL and signing up! It's kept Dood and myself entertained so far!!