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Potomac Winter Open begins this February!!
Get Ready for Winter’s Hottest Poker Action: The 2026 Potomac Winter Poker Open
Every February, poker players from across the region and beyond make a beeline for Maryland’s premier gambling destination — and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet. The Potomac Winter Poker Open is returning to MGM National Harbor from February 11–23, 2026, delivering more competitive action, bigger prize pools, and a fresh tournament format designed to appeal to recreational players and seasoned pros alike.
🎲 What’s New in 2026
This year’s series brings a refreshed format crafted to elevate the experience for everyone involved. For the first time, tournaments will be held directly on the casino floor in The Poker Room — putting the action front and center amid the buzz of the MGM’s gaming atmosphere.
Highlights include:
23 trophied events over 13 action-packed days. A strong mix of multi-day tournaments and mixed-game formats that test a range of poker skills. A Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) designed to give back to the community while keeping competition fierce.
Whether you’re chasing the glory of a hard-fought tournament win or just looking to enjoy some low-stress tables with friends, the series has something for every type of player.
🏆 Featured Events
While the full schedule is packed with intriguing stops, a few key events promise to be particularly big draws:
💰 Opener with a Major Guarantee
The series kicks off with a big Opener event featuring a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool and multiple starting flights — perfect for players who want plenty of chances to make deep runs.
⭐ Main Event
The $3,000 buy-in Main Event is always the marquee headliner. This year it comes with a $750,000 guaranteed prize pool and multiple starting flights designed to build excitement and attract a competitive field.
🎯 Mixed Games & Specialty Events
In addition to No-Limit Hold’em staples, the schedule features:
Tag Team poker — partner up and take on the field. Seniors and Super Seniors events — celebrating experienced players with age-specific buy-ins. Women’s event — promoting inclusion and community competition. Mixed game formats like Big O, PLO, and 8-Game Mix for players who like variety.
These additions make the tournament more than just a typical No-Limit Hold’em grind — they bring diversity, strategy, and new ways to enjoy the game.
📍 Why It Matters
The Potomac Winter Poker Open is more than just a tournament — it’s become one of the East Coast’s signature winter poker festivals. Held against the stunning backdrop of the Potomac River and just a short ride from Washington, D.C., the event draws a wide mix of seasoned pros, regional regulars, and ambitious newcomers, creating an electric atmosphere that’s as social as it is competitive.
In past years, the series has drawn hundreds of players and featured memorable stories — like deep runs and big chops in the Main Event — and 2026 is expected to continue that tradition with an even broader slate of events.
🧳 Planning Your Trip
If you’re thinking of heading down, here are a few tips:
Book early — MGM National Harbor hotels and nearby accommodations tend to fill fast during poker festivals. Study the schedule — with so many events on the calendar, planning which tournaments you want to enter can save money and energy. Play smart — these festivals are marathons, not sprints. Know your buy-in budget and pace yourself.
Whether you’re chasing glory in the Main Event, trying your hand at mixed games, or just soaking in the poker community vibe, this year’s Potomac Winter Poker Open promises something for everyone.
🃏 Final Thoughts
From its expanded schedule to its fresh new competitive formats, the 2026 Potomac Winter Poker Open is shaping up to be one of the must-play poker series of the winter season. Mark your calendars for February 11–23, sharpen your strategy, and get ready to shuffle up and deal in Maryland this February!
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General Poker table etiquette
Poker table etiquette helps keep the game enjoyable, fair, and flowing smoothly for everyone—whether you’re at a casino, home game, or tournament. Good manners show respect for the dealers, staff, and fellow players, and they prevent unnecessary tension or delays.
Here are the most important guidelines to follow:
Act in Turn and Pay Attention
Always wait for your turn before acting (betting, calling, folding, etc.). Acting out of turn can give unfair information or disrupt the action. Stay focused on the hand—even when you’ve folded—so you don’t miss your turn later. If you’re unsure, ask the dealer for clarification.
Be Clear and Deliberate with Actions
Announce your intentions verbally (“raise to $50,” “all-in,” “call”) before moving chips. Avoid “string bets” (reaching for more chips after already putting some forward). Place bets neatly in front of you—don’t “splash the pot” by throwing chips haphazardly into the center.
Don’t Slow Roll
When you win a big pot, don’t deliberately delay showing your winning hand to build suspense or taunt opponents. Flip your cards promptly when called or at showdown. Slow rolling is one of the most disliked behaviors in poker.
Respect the Table and Players
• Keep conversation friendly and avoid excessive trash talk, especially when someone is on tilt.
• Don’t criticize other players’ decisions or give unsolicited advice.
• Protect your cards and stack—keep chips organized and don’t touch other players’ cards or chips.
• One player to a hand: Don’t discuss strategy or show hole cards while a hand is ongoing.
Phone and Distractions
Step away from the table for phone calls or important texts. Constant phone use slows the game and annoys others. Many casinos require you to leave the table for calls anyway.
Tipping and Leaving
Tip the dealer when you win pots (especially big ones)—a small toke is standard in live games. If you need to leave, say a quick goodbye and cash out politely. Avoid “hit and run” tactics (buying in, winning a big pot quickly, then immediately leaving), which can frustrate regulars.
General Courtesy
• Be gracious in both victory and defeat—don’t gloat or berate others.
• Keep the table clean—no food/drink spills, no excessive profanity if the table vibe doesn’t support it.
• If you’re new, feel free to ask the dealer questions—most are happy to help beginners.
Following these simple rules makes you a welcome player at any table. Poker is social, and good etiquette keeps the atmosphere positive and the action moving. Good luck—and may your bluffs always get through! ♠️
These are basic, I’ll cover the difference between a casino and home game etiquette in a future article!
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THE PLAYER IN SEAT 4.. 
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