Having spawned hundreds of books, dozens of films and literally millions of
stories, poker is one of the most popular and enduring games in the world. At
you'll be playing Texas Hold'em, a fast-paced 7-card
variation that's the most popular and exciting form of poker played today. If
you've ever watched poker on TV, chances are that you've watched Texas Hold'em.
And to show just how good it is, it's also the form of the game that's used
in the blue-riband final of the World Series of Poker.
So what is poker, and what's Texas Hold'ems secret? Here are our top 5 reasons
why poker is the greatest card game in the world. Get playing today and see
if you agree.
| 1. |
It's a game that takes skill; rely on blind luck, and you'll be in trouble. You'll need to work out the odds, read situations and work out whether you're holding the nuts or drawing dead. Unlike a game of luck, the more hours you put in, the better you'll get. |
| 2. |
You don't need to be a rocket scientist to get started. Once you've read up on the game and played for a couple of hours, you'll already feel your game improving. You may be surprised just how good you can get in a short space of time. |
| 3. |
While skill is of vital importance, there's a healthy dose of luck as well to liven things up. Let's face it, without a bit of luck poker would be just like chess. Which wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Ironically perhaps, the luck involved in the game accentuates the skill required; you'll need to read the odds and control sometimes outrageous fortune. |
| 4. |
First and foremost, it's a game about people, and unlike games such as blackjack and roulette you're not playing against the house. It's just you and your opponents, battling it out on a level playing field where every aspect of the human psyche can be exposed. It's a game of arch-psycology, bluff and counter-bluff, skill and nerve as you look to win. It can be a war out there, and you're on your own. Make sure you can look after yourself. |
| 5. |
There's no game on earth as exciting as poker. It's a game that has everything: skill, chance, bad beats and outrageous fortune. Add to that the competition, the pressure and the need to have ice water flowing through your veins and you have the finest game ever invented. Try it out. You won't be disappointed. |
