Once upon a time, there was a large trading pit in Amsterdam. Instead of dedicated long distance lines and high frequency trading, market makers could actually see each other.  Things have changed, it has been more than eight years now and only folks like Sem van Berkel still resist the change. Anyway, the website optiebeursvloer.nl has a few nice photographs on their site and a large (70 mb) video of the open outcry trading (sorry, dead link). Nice to see your fellow traders in the old days, and even beter ; April 8th there’s a reunion party in the Escape in Amsterdam for (former) option traders, brokers and Euronext staff. Tickets over here, 20 euro with drinks included sounds like a true bargain.

More important, the annual poker tournament for traders is coming up as well. Last year the prestigious title was won by Gunnar Harms from the neat performing hedgefund HiQ. A buy-in of 200 euro isn’t cheap, as there is no price money attached. All proceeds from the poker night are donated to charity, there’s no management fee or any expenses at all – sponsors have arranged free drinks and the location. The charity this year is the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis foundation. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic and cruel disease, which has impact on the whole body but most notably troubles breathing. Serious progress has been made through research, life expectancy has risen but is still only 40 years and no cure exists.

A group of 30 traders from several firms already confirmed their participation, there’s room for 120 players. Last year was a big succes, mark the date of  saturday April 16th in your agenda for some No Limit Texas Hold ’em poker.

  • Official flyer in English.
Jack