France

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The scene was set in November for the greatest poker challenge in history; France versus Hendon. In the beautiful setting of the elegant Aviation Club de France on the Champs-Elyses, the battle lines were drawn. Two of the world’s great poker nations, France and Hendon, were to go to war and there could only be one winner. The terms of engagement were simple. One match in each of the four disciplines. No limit hold-em; pot limit omaha, pot limit high-lo omaha and limit stud. If the match were drawn two each there would be a play off in No limit hold-em.

The ACF team included three former world champions: Bruno Fitoussi, the first ever No limit Hold-em World Heads Up Champ, Patrick Bruel, a World Series bracelet holder who almost added to collection this year when coming second in a Pot Limit Omaha event, and high-lo specialist Claude Cohen who is also a WSOP bracelet winner. With these three heavyweights came up-and-coming seven card stud star David Benyamine. Each of the four played their favourite game; Each took on a different Mobster.

Joe beats Claude Cohen (Hi-Lo Omaha)

1-0 to The Mob

Ross loses to Patrick Bruel (PLO)

1-1 ACF get one back

Barny beats Bruno Fitoussi (No-Limit Holdem)

2-1 to The Mob

Ram beats David Benyamine in a 5 hour 7CS marathon.

3-1 to The Mob

The French had done their best to knobble us with fine wines and gourmet food at the ACF’s incomparable restaurant. They didn’t know we had been in training all summer drinking Irish whisky and eating Ram’s barbequed chicken. It would take more than a few escargots and some Beaujolais Nouveau to throw us off our game. We have to tell you, it was no walkover. We all kicked off at once and the matches lasted up to five hours. When the dust had settled though, we had beaten the ACF team 3-1 in an exact repeat of the Poker Ashes result. There was to be no play-off. The following day Ram continued his excellent record in Paris, coming second in the No Limit main event. We had a great time, as we always do in Paris and we can’t wait to return for the WPT event in February. If you think you may be playing in that event please let us know so that we can include you in the form guide and Betfair book.