Poker Runs in Maryland

A poker run is a ride with a card game laid over it. Riders set off from a start point and stop at five checkpoints along the route — usually bars, dealerships or clubhouses — drawing one playing card at each. The best five-card hand at the finish wins, and because the hand is pure luck the slowest rider has the same odds as the fastest.

Nearly all of them are fundraisers. The entry fee goes to a charity, a family, a veterans' group or an air ambulance, and the ride itself is a few hours of good road with a party at the end. Most are open to any bike, and a lot welcome cars and trucks too.

They are usually run once a year by the same club or post, which means the one you missed this summer will almost certainly come round again.