Joga walks down the main street of Chicago wearing a black armband followed by a coffin with "Poker" written on the side in pretty flowers. A band follows playing the funeral march and all heads are bowed. Suddenly the music stops. Joga rips off his dark suit to reveal a white silk number, the band start playing merry music and Joga skips round to the coffin. Flipping the lid he reveals stacks of dollars and chips.

"Ladies and Gentlemen from the great four cities of the American underworld, I come to you to announce that Poker is not dead!"

An old drunk in the gutter cheers not knowing whats going on.

My fellow mafioso, I remember a time Poker was rife in these streets, speaches like this would be greeted by "Oh not another one". Well I say mabye one wont hurt. Robbing those post offices and Running prostitution rings can only fill half the hours your around these streets so why not fill the rest of your time with a friendly game of poker. Its a great way to stay in shape and meet new people, if you dont believe me, hear what Bryan has to say:

"I really like Poker coz it takes me alot longer to loose my money there than to throw it away in a casino. Also theres a personal feel to it, I can chat to whoevers taking my money"

Haha Thanks Bryan, stay positive. So as you can see poker is fun for everyone, a great way to win money and make friends.

"But where can I play poker?" Says the man in the gutter.

I'm glad you asked sir.

Joga says as he whips out his fold away desk.

Now theres many ways to play poker, any one whose seen an advertising board will know places they can play poker. But so we're all in the same place I have set up a lil table in "PokerStars", anyone wishing to play simply talks to me in private and I will explain to you how to join such a club. Here you can play with other mafioso using your hard earned mafia money to buy in.

The game is Texas hold em.

"But sir, when can we play?"

A fine question peasant, there will be an introductory game this Saturday, around 15:00.

"How much?"

Another fine question, buy in will be $100,000, I want to keep it light to begin with and allow anyone to join in the fun.

The winner will recieve 60% of the pot, Second place 30% and Third 10%.

Now i'm sure you onlookers have plenty of questions so fire away, anyone who wants to skip the small talk and just wants a seat at the table, please talk to me in private and i'll get you in. Also keep an eye on the streets because following the success of this introductory game will be some almighty prizes to win from up and coming poker tournaments, i'm talking millions!

Joga Benito is working in a non-profit role, he recieves no monetary gain just an evenings entertainment.

Count me in.

I might not be able to join the first game, but I am excited to see the return of poker.

Please let me know about events in the future.

Me likey :)

I have to address an obvious point here - Top 3 paid when you dont know how many runners your gonna get? I guess if everyone is happy with this then sound but i think it could be done a bit fairer in case we have novices wanting to play but dont because they dont think they are good enough.

Good point. Obviously this being the first game I want to entice as many people as I can so your right it should be fairer. However I can not say for certain what the percentages are until I know a rough idea of numbers. When I have a better idea before the game Saturday I will announce the winnings. I dont want people to play well for hours then get kicked out by a lucky river and leave with nothing.

Yeah thats fair mate. Maybe try and get numbers by friday then set up a new thread and announce places paid and prizes. Best way :)

As long as we get Teq- as the bubble boy, im game!!

I am very pleased to see this great institution returning the the streets, and i will play for damn sure.

Here's a lil flyer explaining how to join the poker club, any further questions please dont hesitate to ask.

http://mafiareturns.com/comm/thread/340761/tpass/36c8abdf929cb2ee5c4dd7be5a0aeb87#4202851

I love poker. I'm absolutely terrible at it, but I do love it. I don't mind coming along and losing 100k on Saturday, however what I would like to know is if for some reason my business prevents me from turning up, can I have my stake refunded?

You see I would really love to play, but things have a tendency to pop up that require me rushing off at a moments notice (emergency feeding for Iocaste, for instance). I just want to know where I stand should that happen.

''I love poker. I'm absolutely terrible at it'' The words of a true hustler sir!

Moi? Hustle? Never.

Cyvasse, now play me at that and you'll have a fight on your hands. Poker I just seem to lose all the time, but I enjoy the ride.

Dear Tyrion Lannister, a good point I should address. Buy in doesnt have to arrive until right before you sit at the table however you can pay it sooner. If anyone pays before the game starts but cannot for any reason take part they will be refunded. However once you start playing you cannot get a refund. Unless mabye for exceptional circumstances you are called away after one hand we may be able to work something out.

I have also decided to add $500,000 to the jackpot on Saturday

Count me in!  Can't wait to join the poker frenzy again.  Thanks for organizing... I have been missing this a lot!

Well then you can count this little Imp in, Joga.

I shall see you there on Saturday!

Might aswell just hand your money over mate and not turn up on Saturday ;-) Save you the pain!

Unfortunately I won't be able to participate...although that makes you lucky. :)

Makes us lucky

Hahaha - Cant wait to see you at the next one then Padrino ;) Lets get a sidebet on the go

Count me in! Big Bucks coming.

Now Sam, I know for a fact you are a hustler. Well maybe not a hustler as such as you are not hiding your definite poker skill.

LOL Francis - and what makes you think that? I just enjoy a little fun whilst playing thats all. I will have a sidebet (Last Longer) with anybody that wants to join me...