Early 2000, Texas Hold'em Poker began to mainstream through NZ. With just a basic poker chip set, limited poker knowledge and free weekends; a small group of amateur poker players ventured out to play some home games for laughs.
For me it all started back in 2008, where a small group of 4, made up of friends and family, started in Chingford. Back then, the home games were moderate, poorly organised, just a simple night full of laughs and good company. Another faction had their Friday games at Malcolm Place in Mangere East and Chantelle had its Friday night games in Papatoetoe.
As the year went on, the small group from Chingford increased over time, many players were close friends and family. As the number of players increased so to did the poker skills of each player. Although the basics were adhered to, poker knowledge and etiquette became more important when new players joined. Especially when Chingford decided to host a group tournament inviting friends and family to play.
The first group tournament was a success, with approximately 30 players in attendance on 3 tables. We had players from Chingford’s brother poker crew, Woodside/ Mt Wellington. This was another group made up of family and friends from Manurewa.
From such a humble beginning, Chingford was still small in number, but that didn’t stop them hosting their second group tournament at Sidey Avenue in Otara. We had 5 tables and approximately 40-50 players, another successful night.
Chingford games started to become more regular, with new venues opening in Staverton and Margaret Road. Players from Malcolm Place started to attend more games and a steady number of regular players started to emerge. With its first successful year past, 2008 ended on a high with a group BBQ and poker game to celebrate it achievements.
Late January 2009 after the New Year break, Chingford had its band of regular players; and with Malcolm Place players attending to its games, the two factions became one. Although unnamed at the time, the poker skill of the crew was not lacking.
Chantelle held some major poker tournaments, some of which individuals from Chingford and Malcolm Place had attended. Although the players from this united group did well, it wasn’t recognised as a single entity.
Besides holding large tournaments, Chantelle had its own social games on Friday night, as mentioned earlier. Within its group, FNL (Friday Night Live) was its foundation, which was made up of family members. With a lot of poker experience behind them, players from Chantelle became an important and welcoming addition to Chingford/ Malcolm Place unnamed crew.
To distinguish itself as a united team, the group took on the motto ‘Make It Happen’. New t-shirts were made with this motto, and it incorporated its history within its design by identifying suburbs from where its players came from. To finalise the design, the words ‘Touch Your Balls’ was printed on the back of the T-shirt. Although there are a lot of theories to the meaning behind this phrase, the poker crew took this on as its official poker group name.
Since 2009, Touch Your Balls (TYB) Poker Crew has only played social club games, however in 2011 TYB has ventured out and has started to network. TYB has started this year with results over and above the poker clubs’ expectations. With more tournaments to attend, TYB welcomes every opportunity to make itself known.
Numbers 2011
Chingford Chapter
Chantelle held some major poker tournaments, some of which individuals from Chingford and Malcolm Place had attended. Although the players from this united group did well, it wasn’t recognised as a single entity.
Besides holding large tournaments, Chantelle had its own social games on Friday night, as mentioned earlier. Within its group, FNL (Friday Night Live) was its foundation, which was made up of family members. With a lot of poker experience behind them, players from Chantelle became an important and welcoming addition to Chingford/ Malcolm Place unnamed crew.
To distinguish itself as a united team, the group took on the motto ‘Make It Happen’. New t-shirts were made with this motto, and it incorporated its history within its design by identifying suburbs from where its players came from. To finalise the design, the words ‘Touch Your Balls’ was printed on the back of the T-shirt. Although there are a lot of theories to the meaning behind this phrase, the poker crew took this on as its official poker group name.
Since 2009, Touch Your Balls (TYB) Poker Crew has only played social club games, however in 2011 TYB has ventured out and has started to network. TYB has started this year with results over and above the poker clubs’ expectations. With more tournaments to attend, TYB welcomes every opportunity to make itself known.
Numbers 2011
Chingford Chapter
