Poker - Popularity Explosion
By Michael Russell

There are World Championship games, tournaments and even a show where all the players are celebrities (regardless of their poker skills). The shows are hosted by current poker players, many of whom are very successful at their profession. The media coverage has turned many of these players into mini celebrities in their own right.

One thing that is appealing to television viewers is that poker is relatively easy to learn. Most of the televisions shows have a primer at the beginning, explaining the different hands and betting procedures. So, in essence, a novice could sit down at a table and begin to play. Which is not to say they will do very well! A common saying with poker is "5 minutes to learn, a lifetime to master".

Part of the success in drawing interest to poker is the 'hole camera'. The hole camera is a camera lens at every player's seat which allows the viewer at home to see what cards each player is holding. This way you are able to see the action unfold and can learn from watching what players do. You may even find yourself rooting for someone to take a certain action, forgetting that they cannot see what you can! The hosts of the show will often explain what they expect the players to do, based on what they are seeing from how the other player bets, or reacts to the action. So you can actually pick up quite a few playing tips just by listening to the commentary.

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