Texas Hold' em, Armed Forces Style

  • Published
  • By Brenna Van Stone
  • 28th Services Squadron,
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The hottest card game has hit the coolest spot on base. Dakota's is once again hosting its annual Texas Hold 'em tournament with twice as many chances to win. 

With two tournaments running from June 1 to August 24 and then September 7 to November 16, Friday nights are all about fun. Enjoy food and beverage specials starting at 4:00 p.m. with play at 6:30. 

"The tournament went well this past Friday, we had about 40 people show," said Gary Shaffer, Dakota's club manager. "We gave away prizes of a speaker dock, a DVD and a pound of coffee. 

"Do to increased deployments; I really felt it was important to add a second tournament this year. We are looking forward to welcoming home the troops in September and giving them a chance to play." 

Chips are added up at the end of the night and prizes are awarded to the top players. Weekly prizes were donated by local area agencies to include a supper and show, along with a local hotel and a local coffee house. Each Friday, three participants will be entered into the final tournament to win a top prize given away Aug 24. The top prize is airfare for two from Rapid City to Las Vegas 

Play is open to those 18 and older who are active duty, retired military of any branch or dependents. The tournament is free to club members and only $10 for guests. There will be no tournament play on the night of June 22, due to the Dakota Thunder Ellsworth Air Force Base Open House. For more information, call Dakota's at 385-4326 or visit www.Ellsworthservices.com