How to throw a poker run

If you're in charge of organizing a poker run, this article is for you. I'll cover the basics of what a poker run is and how to plan everything from start to finish so that your event ends up successful and enjoyable for all involved. There's nothing like being able to say that you've put together one hell of an awesome poker day and this article will help you make it happen!

What are Poker Runs?

Races where participants follow a pre-planned course on their own motorcycles (or other vehicles) during which they stop at various checkpoints (e.g., each checkpoint has five playing cards with different suits or numbers drawn on them), attempt to pick cards according to predetermined rules (e.g. which card corresponds to the number on the last card handled) and then trade cards with other participants. The cards they receive at each checkpoint are then used at the next checkpoint.

This type of event is called a poker run because its primary goal is to accumulate points. Points are awarded for completing certain actions and accumulating certain amount of time (i.e., "running").

In some types of poker runs, participants can choose their own route but most require that teams follow pre-planned routes and stop at various checkpoints along their route (which are usually either on public roads or private property). In some cases, complete strangers will be involved in the same run, which can have some unexpected results.

"What's a poker run? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. A group of bikers with their motorcycles, on the way to one or more poker tournaments or other poker-related events."

- Bay of Pigs Poker Run

Who does this kind of event involve?

Anyone who enjoys riding and being outdoors can participate in a poker run. This can include just about anyone – bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, moto-cross bike racers, long distance runners and even roller bladers (for example)  can participate in a poker run without risking many bike parts or breaking bones.

Some people might think that poker runs are just for bikers, especially since they're mostly held on public roads. This couldn't be further from the truth! Anyone can participate in a poker run so long as they have a motorcycle to ride and transportation to get them to wherever it is that the race is being held.

How do people join the race?

There are four main ways of joining a poker run: "Walk-in", "Coming in on a different event", "Poker run entry fee" and "Entry sponsorship". The walk-in method isn't really a true form of involvement unless you're completely new to this kind of thing. To be considered a "walk-in", a person should be completely new to poker runs. Most people become "walk-ins" when they participate in the same race that someone else is walking in on. This is truly the easiest way to get involved in a poker run because you can still take advantage of poker run benefits if you are part of that other event, even if you don't participate in the main event.

The second type of participation involves people coming into the event on an already existing ride or race. These events can be local or even online and may be anything from a stop at five different poker sites (each with all different themes) to a motorcycle ride to one of several tournaments across the country. These are probably more fun for the riders because they can have a great time getting to their destination and meeting new people along the way.

This next way involves fees or even entry fees (this is the best option) to participate in a particular event. Events are completely unaffiliated with each other and most of the people at their events aren't even aware of it (until they read this article!). These events will still help with poker run benefits, including prizes and free event t-shirts, so these people usually have no reason not to join.

Finally, one option that's not really a way to get involved but is still a great way to experience a poker run is to be sponsored. Basically, you sponsor someone else and pay for their trip to the race. This is a great deal for the person who's willing to pony up the money because they get an entry into the event they sponsored and they can potentially earn prizes at those stops along the route or just on the day of the race itself. Sponsorship options are certainly available when you do your research on each individual stop (more on this later).

What types of runs are there?

There are several types of runs that can be conducted including: "Small town" poker runs (e.g. Three Rivers Casino in Tulsa), "Large state" poker runs (e.g. the Missouri State Poker Run), "Multi-state" poker runs (e.g. the Rocky Mountain Poker Run Series), Red Ball runs, Blue Ball runs and others. The largest of these events are usually put on by associations that sanction events across the country and offer benefits to their members. These include things like free event t-shirts, reduced entry fees, prize packages, discounted room/hotel rooms and so on. A great example of a national association is the National Organization for Driver Justice (NODJ). Other types of events can be entered into at any time with no real commitment or prior knowledge required.

What types of benefits do you get at a poker run?

The primary benefit you will get at a run is the "any time and place" benefit. In other words, these events are basically party-on-wheels for bikers and biker enthusiasts. Everyone gets to meet each other at the same stops (some even over and over again), eat great food, listen to music, play poker, drink a lot of beer and play games during the day and even party until all hours of the night! There really isn't much better than that! You'll also receive the benefits associated with your poker run participation (which usually include: free t-shirts, reduced entry fees for some events and more).

What are the benefits of running a poker run?

Benefits include:

Free t-shirts, free food, free drinks, free merchandise and free event registration fees from military personnel organizations.

Reduced entry fees (usually 25-50% off normal event fees) for many events. For example, at the Stavast Poker Run in Oklahoma City (see my personal experience here ) we got a $30 discount on our entry fee and even some great raffle prizes for being part of the run.

Prizes for participating in races that can be handed out at most race stops (some even over and over again!) during your poker run. Prizes from sponsors of the event such as free gas vouchers, free event registrations and more.

The ability to earn points for being part of an organization that sanctions poker runs. These organizations include the various groups available to military members (USO, NODJ, Army MWR and possibly many others).

The ability to earn "poker run master" status by participating in multiple races and/or regularly returning to your local races. This can earn you public recognition for your efforts in running or participating in poker runs (e.g. a special patch or award received at certain events).

Conclusion

Poker runs give everyone an opportunity to have a great time, make new friends, enjoy the company of old friends and even have the opportunity to win prizes for a relatively low cost. As far as I'm concerned, these benefits easily outweigh the costs.