1. What are the requirements to play in the league and how much does it cost?
There is absolutely no cost to play. The only requirement is that players are at least 18 years of age, and that they meet the minimum age requirement of the hosting establishment (currently at least 21 years of age at all hosting establishments) 
. And, you don’t have to be an expert poker player. In fact, if you don’t know how to play poker, there are people who will help you learn the game!!
2. When and where are the tournaments held?
Currently, tournaments are held every Monday and Thursday evening at the Office Lounge in Bloomington and Sunday afternoon at the Rusty Anchor south of Bloomington.
3. Can I win anything?
Yes!! the winner of each tournament, whether a veteran player or a new one, receives a cash prize, typically $100, depending on the hosting establishment . The more tournaments you play in, the more opportunity you have to win.
4. Does BTown use standard ranking of poker hands?
Yes, poker hands are ranked based on poker rules used at virtually all poker venues. A synopsis of poker hand rankings can be found at the end of the Rules section.
5. What is the “Second Chance” table?
After players have been eliminated from the main tournament, they have an option to play poker at the Second Chance table. This is an excellent opportunity to hone poker skills, especially for newer players. .
• The winner of a Second Chance tournament will have the option to receive either 200 Bonus Points or 125 Regular Points (see FAQs-8 & 9). Once a player has enough Regular Points to qualify for the TOC (see FAQ-7), a player can only earn Bonus Points.
• As in the regular tournaments, Regular Points are also awarded for specific premium hands that are played out..
6. What is the seasonal Tournament of Champions (TOC)?
A Tournament of Champions (TOC) is held at the end of each 4 month season, which is a special event for players who are qualified to participate (See FAQs-7, 8 & 9). Prizes are awarded to the players making it to the final table (usually 9 players). Typically, a cumulative total of $600 to $800 in cash prizes are awarded .
7. Can I qualify for the Tournament of Champions (TOC)?
Yes! You can qualify for the TOC by earning both Regular Points and Bonus Points, which are accumulated throughout the season. Typically, a minimum of 1200 Regular Points and 1800 Bonus Points are required, HOWEVER the exact number will be adjusted based on the length of each season .
8. How do I earn Regular Points toward qualifying for the TOC?
• The final 16 players in any of the regular tournaments during the season receive Regular Points. The first place winner receives 1200 Regular Points, and the other placing positions (16th to 2nd place) receive from 50 to 800 Regular Points..
• If a winning hand takes out one or more players, bounty chips are received from those players — each bounty chip is worth 50 Regular Points.
• If a player doesn’t have enough points to qualify for the next TOC, he/she can choose to take 125 Regular Points (in lieu of 200 Bonus Points) after winning at a Second chance table (see FAQ-5).
• Regular Points are also awarded for playing out any premium hand (4 of a kind, straight flush, Royal Flush)..
9. How do I earn Bonus Points toward qualifying for the TOC?
Bonus Points are earned based on food and beverage purchases from the hosting facility (20 Bonus point for each $1 spent). 200 Bonus Points can be earned by winning at a Second Chance table. 100 Bonus Points are also awarded for playing out a Royal Flush..
10. Do I have to deal and/or shuffle cards when playing in the tournaments?
No, it is not required: Once familiar with the dealing and betting process, you can be the dealer if you choose. At B-Town poker tables, one person is selected as the dedicated dealer for the table . The dealer button (and associated small and big blinds) advance clockwise (to the left of the dealer button’s previous location) with each new hand.
To keep the game moving, the player to the right of the dealer button (or other person if needed) will shuffle the second deck of cards and have it ready for the next hand.