In poker terms a pair can often be beaten by a stronger hand.

But for amateur gambler Mike Abbott he's been dealt a poker tournament place in Las Vegas - his second in six months.

Mike, a 25-year-old customer services manager from Mile Oak, Portslade, took up poker two and a half years ago.

Six months ago he won a top prize in an online tournament of £1,292 in travelling expenses to Las Vegas and £5,164 to buy entry into the World Series of Poker main event in July.

Now Mike has won a place in a second tournament after becoming one of the top 90 players on the internet who play through VC Poker. After being involved in a play-off, Mike came second to get just one of three £6,713 packages.

According to the website, Mike is the only player to win two World Series of Poker packages. He said: "This tournament is better than the one I was entered into last year.

"I started playing with my close friend Mark White. I was round his house one night and he told me he had started playing cards, so I sat down with him to give it a go.

"I told him, don't even try to explain it to me, as it was complicated. But then over the months I found myself winning.

"The tournament is being held at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The World Series of Poker 2007 main event is the daddy of all poker events throughout the year.

"This year's main event is anticipating more than 10,000 players. I don't think I have much of a chance of scooping the estimated first prize of £7.5 million, but you've got to be in it to win it."