Years ago, visiting Sheffield for a good night out might have been seen as a bit of a gamble. However, in the past few years, more and more people are coming to Sheffield for a good night out with a gamble – A poker game.
Sheffield offers a few options for poker players of all abilities: From those just cutting their teeth and finding their game face to those who could hide a winning lottery ticket from their own mother behind their muted, controlled expressions.
Where to go
Sheffield offers a couple of locations to focus on for those looking for a good night out with a thrill thrown in.
Napoleons Casino & Restaurant (Hillsborough)
For football fans headed to the Steel City for a match or derby, an overnight stay presents the opportunity to visit Napoleons, a city casino offering all the usual games plus all night drinking and dining (so you can keep your energy levels up!). Located just 0.5 miles from Hillsborough Stadium, Napoleons neighbours the Sheffield Sports Stadium, which is also home to dog racing and speedway, so you can indulge in a multitude of other thrills while you’re there.
With two games on offer across four tables (Three Card Poker on one and Texas Hold ‘Em cash games from 22:30) you can be sure to find something to suit you.
Genting Club (City Centre)
A well-known chain, Genting offers a reliable experience for those travelling widely around the country and there’s no need to miss out on the sport simply because you’re not in Hillsborough – Genting offers a state-of-the-art sports lounge where you can kick-back and enjoy the game. You won’t go hungry or thirsty here either, the casino offers round the clock food and drink options to keep you fuelled and sharp for your games.
Texas Hold ‘Em is the order of the day in Genting and why not, given that it’s the most popular format in the world! Tournaments are held daily and generally start in the early evening, with buy-in costs starting from just £10.
Texas Hold ‘Em is the mainstay at Genting and why not, given that it’s the most popular format in the world! Tournaments are held daily and generally start in the early evening, with buy-in costs starting from just £10.
Other games on offer (as standard) include Omaha and Dealer’s Choice, but different games are available on request. With so much on offer, now might be a good time to get to grips with your poker terms!
Grosvenor Casino (City Centre)
Another well-known chain, regular players may very well be familiar with the Grosvenor name and favour what they have to offer. Like the other destinations mentioned above, Grosvenor offers a round the clock food and drink menu so that you can relax with friends before, between or after games.
Grosvenor, like the other venues, offers a variety of games to get your teeth into, with the most popular being Texas Hold ‘Em. If you’re new to poker and keen to give it a try, but concerned by your lack of knowledge or experience, you can learn a great deal through their “How to Play” guide.
Don’t Be Shy
Sheffield is a friendly city with plenty to offer and (ignoring the fact that your opponents will keep everything from you during a game!) poker can be a great way to meet people and socialise. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing cabs from casino to casino looking for new games.
With a minor amount of preparation, such as brushing up on your terminology and broadly familiarising yourself with the most popular game formats, you can be sat sipping whisky and staring down bluffs with the best of them.
