MILFORD - Folks who might be a bit skittish about sitting down at a poker table have a chance to better their odds through a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley.

On Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m., the River Card Room in Milford will host "Poker University," a class designed to teach beginners the ins and outs of the game. For $45, participants 18 and up will receive poker lessons, $30 in chips, appetizers and a drink.

River Card Room General Manager Greg Barber said Poker University is a great way for newcomers to the game or those who want to brush up on their skills to learn from the best - the dealers.

"Normally dealers aren't allowed to talk at the table or give advice, but during Poker University, they have a chance to talk about the game to people who have never played before," Barber said.

The setting is informal and friendly, said Barber, so that folks aren't intimidated. The class includes everything from the very basic - from what a blind is - to how to make a bet and of course, what hand beats another.

"If people get really interested, the dealers can talk about bluffing or how to know the odds of getting a hand," Barber said. "It can get pretty in-depth if that's what the players want."

There are a variety of games played at the River Card Room, including "Let it Ride," and a special seven-card game called "New Hampshire Hold 'em," as well as other casino games such as roulette, craps and blackjack.

By law, 35 percent of what the River Card Room takes in has to go to charity.

"The River Card Room has donated almost $45,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley over the past five years and hundreds of thousands more to other local charities," said Kevin Salemi, director of outreach for the club.

For more information visit www.riverpokerroom.com

nfoster@newstote.com