It's a relatively late start to day one in Baden -- 6 p.m. is a good two hours later than we're used to on the EPT. The reason is that the casino ran a super-satellite until late last night and it's only fair to allow those qualifiers a chance to recuperate before it all begins again today.

And when it does begin, we'll be playing the now familiar format: €8,000 buy-in, no-limit Texas hold 'em, 10,000 starting stacks, one hour blind levels, beginning at 25-50. Full details of the tournament structure can be found HERE. We'll be playing six levels today, and starting earlier tomorrow.

As I type, players are enjoying their pre-competition buffet but cards are expected to be in the air in a little over an hour. We'll introduce some of the competitors to you during the first few levels, while play is comparatively sedate, and then keep you posted on all the action as it hots up later in the day.

Meanwhile, here are a few snaps from around Baden. Make the most of them: it'll be poker, poker, poker from here on.