Poker Group
Group Head: Bill Langham

I am Bill Langham, long-time Rye resident and something of a poker advocate. For many years I have enjoyed playing poker with friends and for over twenty years now, hosting a tournament to support the Boy Scouts (now Scouting America) in the local Greater Hudson Valley Council. Poker has provided many friendships, camaraderie, a chance to test one’s skills and sharpness of mind plus the occasional hat.

We will plan to play poker once or twice a month. These might be Dealer Choice variations of 7-card stud or Omaha 8 or better. Stakes to be determined but generally friendly where an evening of cards might cost the same as a dinner at a steakhouse. A winning evening might provide the funds for your own dinner at a steakhouse.

Alternately a monthly Hold’em Tournament with $50 buy-in, a single re-buy also for $50 and a $50 add-on after the first hour. Ten percent of the buy-ins could be donated to Tuesdays at 10 to support the program.

Contact me at the email link above if you’d like to be part of this group.

Update from Bill Langham, April 8, 2026

My suggestion is to organize a group to promotes real poker, much like the game found today in casino play around the country – there’s no wild cards, follow-the-queen or other lottery-like permutations - embracing high-low poker for the beguiling opportunities it presents, its dynamic betting, and split pots.

I find that many of younger players began their poker careers in the online world where Texes Holdem is the dominant game rather than the college dorm, the caddie yard or the military where 5-card Draw, Seven-card Stud and Stud High-low were the main course. 

A mixture of both variations might appeal to this group - play two times each month - one a Dealer’s Choice night with fixed betting limits with games selected by the dealer (without Holdem) and the other a dedicated Holdem Tournament. 

Ideally the game would rotate among the players, each acting as host and providing a snack with everybody kicking in to defray costs. BYOB if desired. A 7:30 start with the evening ending around 11PM on a weeknight. Concluding at a set time precludes the game becoming an ‘all-nighter’ and causing difficulties on the home front.

A good number to start would be a minimum of 7 or 8 players and ten up to 16 for tournament night.

Betting stakes would determined by the group. An old poker adage is that the stakes should be large enough for the winner to buy a new hat and sufficient enough to encourage thoughtful play.

I would propose a Monday night game - and I would offer to host the first meeting, tentatively set for Monday April 27  (National Tell a Story Day- an apt day for a card game).

If interested contact Bill Langham