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This article was written just before the start of the first Nations Cup Event in Petersburg, November 2002. As it turned out, Holland finished in fourth place, just outside of the $15,000 third price money. In fact, it was Ed de Haas who made the heroic play of busting out his fellow team mate Kosta Anastasyadis at the last table of the final event, when all that was needed to win third place was survival. When asked later why on earth he made this move, he spoke the legendary words: "Hey, I didn't like this tournament anyway." In fact, the only prize that we managed to win during this event was the prize for the best-dressed team! All in all, the Dutch Poker Police had a marvelous time in Russia, and the revenues of the various nightclubs skyrocketed because of our presence, but needless to say the team hasn't competed in any tournament ever since. This introduction of the Dutch national team was translated into Russian for the free magazine Poker in Russia.

As some of you are probably aware of, there will be a big tournament for nations in the Taleon Club in St. Petersburg, Russia in the winter of 2002. Every country in Europe that wishes to participate will send a group of players, chosen by its team captain, to battle for the "European Poker Championship for Countries". Favorites to lift the trophy will be England, Ireland, Finland, France, Austria, Germany, home country Russia and, of course, Holland. European Player of the Year 2001 Marcel Lüske, the "Dutch Flying Fox", has selected a group of players that, in his opinion, should be capable of capturing the title. We have chosen to be the "Dutch Poker Police" (even though, unfortunately, we've got no calling stations in our line-up), but we might change our name when we find a better one- or a generous sponsor. Members of the team include:

Marcel "Dutch Flying Fox" Lüske (team captain)

Needs no introduction. Has cracked the tournament circuit in 2001 and tops all charts in games, prize money, final table appearances and tournament wins. His combination of fearlessness and the ability to put someone on a hand has given him unparalleled success. European Player of the Year 2001, and (in addition to being an extremely dangerous player) one of the most colourful and remarkable players on the circuit. Despite all this obvious quality, he still doesn't know how to wear his sunglasses.

Rolf "Ace" Slotboom

Chosen by Marcel despite his lack of experience in the big tournaments. One of the best money players in Europe, and one of the few players who excels in both pot-limit Omaha and limit hold'em. Also known as the "Ace" (for his extremely tight play) and as the "Tic-Tac Man" (because he never leaves home without his mints). His combination of tightness, aggression and (most of all) discipline has given him excellent results in the big money games in Vienna and Amsterdam. Has his own strategy column "Ace Speaks" in Poker Digest magazine and is a regular contributor for the Internet site Poker Pages. Whenever the TV-cameras are rolling, the Ace is always present.

Rob "The Chief" Hollink

The other big-name tournament player from Holland. Has had some great tournament results in the year 2001 in Paris as well as in Amsterdam, where he beat "Devilfish" Dave Ulliott after almost two hours of heads up play in the Master Classics of Poker PLO event. Has also become a regular in the big PLO live games in Amsterdam. Has given up on his former love (stocks) to focus entirely on playing poker. Not easily impressed, and not afraid to risk his entire stack with a marginal hand when he feels it is good. One of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Kosta Anastasyadis

The former "Main Man" in Holland, and still one of the most dangerous and creative players around. Has taken the concept of "playing the players" to an entirely new level and in addition to his excellence, he is also fun to play with. Is supposed to be a trader in pharmaceutical products, but he never fails in the casino- plays more than 300 days a year. Overall winner of the Master Classics of Poker in 1997.

Rolf Schreuder

The second Rolf in the team, also known as "The Big Rolf". Shares the other Rolf's dislike of the way tournaments are organized at the moment, and shares his love for the big money games. International Master at high-speed (max. one minute) chess and a proven backgammon champion. Also a master at making hands up he supposedly had -people claim that whenever he moves his lips, he is lying- and known for his constant chatter during the game, but one of the most charming and refreshing guys around (beware, he will take your money faster than you can imagine!)

Ed de Haas

Former basketball pro, who needs no introduction- every poker player in Europe will know him. One of the driving forces behind the growth of pot-limit Omaha in Holland, and a regular player in the Aviation Club in Paris. Has had some good results in tournaments and cash games alike. Is known for running a little bit hot when things aren't going his way, but when on top of his game he is almost impossible to stop. Shares the same deadly combination that makes our team captain so successful: fearlessness in addition to excellent hand reading abilities. Despite his impressive figure, this founder and owner of "Amsterdam Casino Events" is one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet- if you don't make any jokes about his shoe size, that is.

Some final words.

Marcel is working very hard right now to get us there in the right outfit, in the right frame of mind and with a good and generous sponsor, so we can expect to play at the top of our form during the event. We are all very much looking forward to coming over to Russia, and we hope the tournament will be as big a success as it is expected to be. Petersburg, beware: the Dutch Poker Police is on its way... and ready to strike!