|
LATELY, it seems that just about everyone is
"all in" to Texas Holdem poker.
Much like bell-bottoms and Chuck Taylors,
this addictive game has climbed its way back
to the top of current fads.
In fact, it's not just a measly hype that
will fade away in a few months--it's a
phenomenon that's got the strength to warp
our minds for years to come.
Quite likely the catalyst that's led to
Texas Holdem
poker's revival has been its constant
coverage on the Travel Channel.
Wouldn't you think watching a bunch of lazy,
rich people chucking chips on a table would
become redundant and boring?
Well, apparently it isn't, because millions
have tuned in, and it's quickly become the
network's hottest show.
The "World Poker Tour" (which airs at
various times on the Travel Channel)
provides an up-close look at each of the
players' hands by using tiny cameras that
allow the viewer at home to see what cards
they're holding.
For the
Texas Holdem
poker rookie, watching this would be a great
way to learn about the game and pick up the
valuable strategies that come along with it.
In the world of
Texas Holdem
poker, there are numerous games that can be
played. There's Blackjack, Five-Card Draw
and the game that's currently grabbing the
attention (on TV and in countless
households), No-Limit Texas HoldEm. "It's
crazy," said Allen Scaife, poker enthusiast.
"Everyone, everywhere is playing the game."
The game is addictive, appealing and can
sometimes get downright dirty.
It's no longer the friendly household games,
like Go Fish or Rummy, that people play to
socialize and make friends.
People want to win and feel glorious, so
they play the game that involves
aggressiveness, bluffing (the ability to
trick your opponents into thinking you have
good cards when you really don't) and a heap
of chips Texas HoldEm.
Much like an epidemic plague, this game has
made its way inside the boundaries of
Fredericksburg and is spreading quickly
among the residing teenagers.
"I love having people over for some good
competitive poker. We play at night, take a
break and go to Wawa, then play till the wee
hours of the morning," says J.C. Baker, a
recent graduate of Stafford High School and
a locally known HoldEm master.
J.C. is also among a growing flock that uses
the Internet to rake in the chips, as well
as to improve his game. He uses
pokerstars.com, which recently received huge
publicity for being the practice arena for
2003 World Series of Poker Champion Chris
Moneymaker.
The presence of the game on the Internet has
pretty much solidified poker's ability to be
virtually everywhere at every time. However,
you don't always have to rely on the World
Wide Web to catch the vibe of the great
game.
Call up some friends, order a pizza and dive
into the world of poker that has us all
hooked.
Be careful, though. If you invite one too
many people, you just might have a full
house.
|
