The Longest Running Poker Run on the East Coast

What is the Poker Run?

First, the poker run is a charitable fund raising event that gives players an opportunity to play “a card game” on the water. And this Poker Run at SML is the longest running Poker Run on the east coast! This will be it’s 21st year held on Saturday, May 19th.

It is definitely not a race. There is a limit of 75 boats, but captains can have as many players and registered guests on board as their legal capacity allows. The boats travel to seven card stops throughout Smith Mountain Lake to retrieve a playing card at each stop at the end, each player presents their best five cards to be eligible for several thousand dollars in cash prizes. The first player to get four aces receives $5000.00. The SMLBA (Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association – a non-profit organization) has awarded this top prize numerous times. There is also a $1500.00 prize for the best hand, $500 for second best, $250 for third best, and many other cash awards for various categories such as best appearing crew and the most players on a boat. Proceeds from the event go to various lake organizations such as The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Dept.

Boats of every description are welcome. Past events have featured large cruisers, house boats, pontoon boats and even small runabouts...speed is not a factor. If a vessel is too slow to cover the entire course in the five hours of the event, then they can be “spotted” a card stop and may draw those cards at the end of the run. The larger boats have an even better chance of taking home the cash for the most players on a boat.

The entry fee is $175.00 a player, with a two player minimum per vessel. The guest fee is $90.00. Guests may participate in the entire weekend's festivities, but are not eligible to play the game. All players and guests are treated to a dinner and entertainment on Friday night, then the event moves to Mariners Landing Resort for the actual poker run, where many of the participants will be staying. Upon their return to Mariners Saturday afternoon, players, guests, volunteers and sponsors will join together for a beer garden, followed by a dinner and music.
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To find out more information or to register, you can go to http://www.smlba.com/index.php/poker-run