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Cover StroyChips Ahoy! Poker has officially taken over Date published: 8/5/2004
YOUTH CORRESPONDENT ATELY, it seems that just about everyone is "all in" to 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 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 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 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 Hold 'Em. "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 chipsTexas Hold 'Em. 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 Hold 'Em 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. JESSE SCOTT is a freshman at George Mason University.
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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