Long ago... in the latter part of the last century... poker players had to keep in mind that the new-fangled Internet might, some day, offer up a good game or two. OK, maybe without free drinks or the social comfort of a cast of interestingly-dressed characters at your table, but online had possibilities. Now, with countless poker games online, worldwide, throughout day and night, one must keep in mind that there are still great, real, bricks-and-mortar poker rooms out there in the offline world, waiting for your physical self to saunter in, have a seat and take in the scene.
One by one, this series of articles looks at the top 10 poker rooms in the old country... Europe.
Aviation Club de France, Paris, France
We begin with a classic. Situated on the Champs Elysees and founded in 1907 by an accomplished group of aviators, the Club is known for an elegant atmosphere, with a gourmet restaurant and metric tons of old-school style. Beginning in 1925, baccarat was offered, and, recently, poker, blackjack Persian-style and casino draw poker have been successfully added to the menu. Free, non-alcoholic drinks are available, a dress code is in effect, and a passport is required for the mandatory but free membership. The Club itself is open 24 hours, although the poker card room is open 2pm-8am, and 24 hours during poker events.
Club tournaments, which are non-smoking events at the Club, include No Limit Hold'em on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Check with the Club for current schedules.) Most games are Dealers Choice. Recent and upcoming major tournaments at the Aviation Club include the European Finals of Poker 2006, the Paris Open of Poker, and the Rendezvous a Paris/ World Poker Tour-Season 4 (2005).
