"The most alive dead place in town"

Graveyard Games WASHINGTON DC 062
Originally uploaded by Avant Game.

It was cold and rainy and extraordinarily wet, but that didn't stop 25 of Washington D.C.'s finest gamers from coming out to Historic Congressional Cemetery for a Tombstone Hold 'Em tourney last Saturday.

Linda Harper, the chairman of the board of the cemetery, was there, as well, to welcome our players and tell them a bit about the cemetery's history and mission. "We're the most alive dead place in town," she said, encouraging the players to have fun and enjoy the historic space. The cemetery's goal? To become, again, the kind of public social and recreation space that cemeteries in the U.S. used to be, before the 20th century. "Before there was Central Park, there was Mt. Auburn Cemetery," she said, reminding us that cemeteries were the original parks and recreation centers in the U.S. It was like being welcomed home again. Linda was so pleased with our game and players that she invited 'em back to come play Hold 'Em any time they want.

Rumor has it that, besides the six official Graveyard Games in honor of Lucky Brown, grassroots Tombstone Hold 'Em games are popping up in cities all over. I just rain into someone in the airport last night who was on his way to Seattle, where he suggested a THE game is on its way. Also this week, Austin and Oakland are having grassroots games... I'm not involved in organizing them, so all I can say is keep your eyes and ears open for more info...

See you in Kansas City next.

Flickr photos are here.

Play with me: Graveyard Games, Washington D.C.

RAIN OR SHINE! Saturday afternoon October 22, 2005

You're never too dead to play.

On Saturday October 22, 2005, Graveyard Games will be in Washington, DC so you can meet the living and play with the dead. You're invited to the Historic Congressional Cemetery to get to know your local dearly departed, pay your respects, and learn Tombstone Hold 'Em — the secret poker game you can only play in a cemetery.

Graveyard Games SAN FRANCISCO 241
Originally uploaded by Avant Game.

1. Arrive at the Historic Congressional Cemetery (1801 E Street Southeast) in D.C. between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM.

2. Look for the tournament’s host near the main gate, off E Street. She’ll be holding a deck of cards. She will have further instructions and supplies for you.

3. Bring a single flower to place on a grave to show some respect, and to signal that you’re one of us.

4. Take a few minutes to explore your section of the cemetery. Look for any poker chips left on tombstones. You’ll need these to play.

5. Be sure to look for the grave of someone you can prove died on your birthday. You can use that tombstone as a Joker during the game.

6. Tournament begins at 2:30 PM. Learn the rules before you come if you’re serious about winning.

7. The winner is crowned at 3:30 PM. No fancy prizes, but lots of respect and maybe a special memento from Lucky's estate. And everyone can keep the chips they earn as a souvenir.

8. Stick around. You’re invited to Trusty’s Full Service just down the block (1420 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003). Doors open at 4 PM, so raise a glass to the players you’re leaving underground at the Historic Congressional Cemetery.

See photos from San Francisco's Graveyard Games.

A full house at the Italian Cemetery

Graveyard Games SAN FRANCISCO 183
Originally uploaded by Avant Game.

Over 100 playful folks showed up for the first Tombstone Hold 'Em tourney, here in San Francisco. Flickr photos abound, with the tags "graveyard games", "Tombstone Hold Em" and "Last Call Poker". Here's my set of favorites from the unforgettable afternoon, all taken by our "estate photographer", Kiyash. Lucky would be proud.

Play with me: Graveyard Games, October 15th

Playing Tombstone Hold 'Em
Originally uploaded by Avant Game.

On Saturday October 15, 2005, Graveyard Games will be in Colma, San Francisco’s very own City of the Dead, so you can meet the living and play with the dead.

You’re invited to the Italian Cemetery to get to know your local dearly departed, pay your respects, and learn Tombstone Hold ‘Em—the secret poker game you can only play in a cemetery.

Instructions

1. Arrive at the Italian Cemetery (540 F Street, Colma, CA 94014, 2 blocks from Colma BART station) on Saturday October 15 between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM.
2. Look for your host near the main entrance, under the white arch. She’ll be holding a deck of cards. She will have further instructions and supplies for you.
3. Bring a single flower to place on a grave to show some respect, and to signal that you’re one of us.
4. Take a few minutes to explore the cemetery. Look for any poker chips left on tombs. You’ll need these to play.
5. Be sure to look for the grave of someone you can prove died on your birthday. You can use that tombstone as a Joker during the game.
6. Tombstone Hold ‘Em Tournament begins at 2 PM. Here’s a tip: learn the rules before you come. We’ll have instructions on hand for any friends you bring along.
7. For non-poker players, there will be other creative, playful things to do. And expect a few surprises.
8. The winner is crowned at 3 PM. No fancy prizes, but lots of respect, and maybe a special memento from beyond the grave. Plus, everyone can keep the chips they earn as a souvenir.
9. After 3 PM, you’re invited to nearby Globe Tavern (7379 Mission St) to raise a glass to the players you’re leaving underground at the Italian Cemetery.

By the way, if anyone asks--you’re here for the last call.

The old man had a brilliant idea

cemeterypokertourneycrop
Originally uploaded by Avant Game.

WWII veteran and genius poker player Lionel "Lucky" Brown died a rich man, with some very playful ideas about the legacy he wanted to leave behind.

I'm honored to be a part of how his final wishes are carried out.

Besides, you know me. Can't help but get really excited about a benevolent mob of gamers playing together in an unexpected, public space.

So graveyard games, it is.

When was the last time you played games in a cemetery? When is the first time you play games in a cemetery?

Come play your respects:

October 15 San Francisco/Colma
October 22 Washington, D.C.
October 29 Kansas City
November 5 New York City
November 12 Atlanta
November 29 Los Angeles

You’re never too dead to play.

Hope to see you there.