The last few months have seen PokerPlayer embark on some cracking Busman’s holidays: to Aruba to compete in the Ultimate Poker Classic; and to Monte Carlo to lock jaws with some of the world’s best card sharks. But karma, as they say, can be a bitch.

Welcome to Newport. Affectionately dubbed ‘the arsehole of Wales,’ Newport is not without its charms. There are local traditions (fighting, drinking, fighting and drinking). There are a variety of locations for the intrepid sightseer (good range of kebab shops, bridge that doubles up as a popular suicide spot). But we’re not here for the scenery.