Excitement is building in the poker community as the APAT Open Championship gears up to hit Manchester235 this March 22-24. It's shaping up to be a must-attend event for recreational poker players and those who love the thrill of competitive play without breaking the bank. With a modest £120 buy-in, the No-Limit Hold'em tournament is a golden opportunity for APAT members and poker enthusiasts to show their skills and potentially earn bragging rights along with some impressive winnings.

Manchester235 requires membership to play, so make sure your ID is ready. This setup ensures a top-notch playing environment, blending the thrill of poker with the elegance of one of the city's premier venues.

Here's what caught my eye: the unique structure of the Manchester Open Championship. It kicks off with two Day 1s – 1A on Friday and 1B on Saturday – both designed as freezeouts. But, and here's where it gets interesting, if you're knocked out on Day 1A, you have a shot at redemption by entering Day 1B. Just remember, if you advance from Day 1A and still choose to play

Day 1B, you're sacrificing your Day 2 stack. Strategy and timing will be key.

Some of the Nitty Gritty

Starting with 25,000 chips, the action begins at 100/100 blinds, with a big blind ante entering the fray from level six. Latecomers have until the end of the eighth level to jump in, mimicking the high-stakes drama we love about poker.

Day 2 promises even more excitement, with blinds and ante levels designed to test players' endurance and skill. And let's not forget the prestige of making it through to the final day, ensuring at least a min-cash – a sweet deal by any measure.

The memory of Mick Fletcher's triumphant victory in 2022, pocketing £3,800 and the coveted gold APAT medal, still lingers. It’s a reminder of what's possible with skill, luck, and a bit of strategy.

More on the 2024 Calendar

Looking ahead, the APAT tour doesn't slow down, with stops in Malta, Ireland, Glasgow, and more on the 2024 calendar. Each event promises its unique flavor of competition and camaraderie.

So, to my fellow poker aficionados, whether you're an APAT veteran or looking to make your mark, the Manchester Open Championship is your stage. It’s more than a tournament; it's a gathering of passionate players from all walks of life, united by the love of the game. Let’s shuffle up and deal, and may the best player win!