The 24 players began their endurance bid on Friday night in a club in Greenwich, south-east London, and must keep going for more than 42 hours.

Each entrant has put £20 in the pot, with the winner taking half of the money and the rest going to charity.

Player Sarah Lawrence said: "We're 11 hours into the attempt and we're starting to play like madmen."

'Frayed tempers'

The first hand was dealt at 2100 GMT at the Basement Jacks club and the game is expected to continue until at least 2000 on Sunday.

Ms Lawrence said she was keeping awake with energy drinks and brief walks to stretch her legs.

"We've been up all night and the only break you're allowed is to go to the toilet or get something to eat," she told BBC London 94.9.

"We're going for 43 hours or maybe more.

"We've been through all the emotions. We started off just really high and really happy about being record breakers.

"Then we went through vague tiredness and there were a few frayed tempers and a bit of grumpiness.

"Now we're playing like madmen and bouncing off the walls."