Like the idea of playing poker, but aren’t too keen on losing tons of cash? Then the Fox and Hound in Mayfield Heights has a game for you. Its twice-weekly Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments involve no money. Prizes include free games of pool and food from the bar. “We just want to keep people from going downtown,” says Jim Elliott, general manager of the Fox and Hound, which started the popular tournaments nine months ago.

Four tables of 10 are set up. Players can sign up as early as 8 a.m. the day of the tourney. Elliott recommends reserving a spot, since the tables are always filled (especially on Sundays). Just because there’s no cash involved doesn’t mean Elliott and his co-organizers don’t take their Hold ‘Em seriously. “We get guys in here wearing sunglasses, like they’re on ESPN’s World Series of Poker,” he laughs.
Thu., March 30, 9 p.m.; Sun., April 2, 9 p.m.

This article appears in Mar 29 – Apr 4, 2006.