Why is Poker so hyped at the moment?
Poker and especially online poker are totally In at the moment. Everywhere you go people tell me, that they just started to play poker! How could that happen? I think the most impact to poker was 2003 when an accountant from tennesee, called Chris Moneymaker, won the World Series of Poker. In that year everybody could see, that even a total amateur could rise to the occassion and win millions of dollars with a simple cardgame. Jamie Gold, who won last years WSOP was an amateur just as well, although he had a great teacher - Johnny Chan, who is among only 3 people who won 10 WSOP bracelets (along with Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth). A lot of people discuss this over at poker institut, but I really think, that the origin of this recent poker hype lies in the fact, that poker is a sport, where even amateurs have a chance to win millions of dollars!
From that point on, people started watching poker on TV. The ratings went up, up to the point that last years WSOP was right after the Superbowl in regards of people watching it. And watching poker is a great way to learn the game, since you can actually see how these pros play certain hands, or handle certain situations! It´s really an exciting game to watch - since you´re the only person, how actually knows what everybody´s holding, who´s bluffing and who´s slowplaying a monster. I got to admit, that I learnt more out of watching poker on TV, then by reading about it in all kinds of books!
I think the poker hype will go on and on, especially with a record number of players in the recent World Series of Poker, and the World Poker Tour just starting into a new season!
So get active now, register for an account, read various Poker Blogs - and start winning some money! If you need more information, take a look at those sites: