Poker faces

On 10 March, SIAS held its annual poker tournament at the Grosvenor Casino. The event proved as popular as ever, with reserved tables overflowing the VIP room.

In total, 60 actuaries competed for the title of the best poker player in 2016. The prize pot was £1,675.

After a short learn-to-play session for those who didn't know their 'big blind' from their 'bluff', players were randomly allocated to a table and starting hands were dealt. The rooms were soon buzzing with excitement, happiness and despair as players began battling to get to the final table. Sadly some were knocked out early on, but that was not going to stop them. A cash table was set up and some of the players had more 'luck' there.

To ensure maximum playing time, canapés and drinks were served at the tables and, after nearly four and a half hours, our poker champion emerged. It was a tense final table with all 10 players winning a cash prize, but it was Ben Paterson (Canada Life) who took the crown, followed by Neil Povey (Prudential) a close second and Andrew Neilson (Prudential) in third. Congratulations to you all.