Eyes across America are looking at their cards, watching their opponent’s movements and gleaming with the thrill of Texas Hold’em poker.
With such shows as ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” The Travel Channel’s “World Poker Challenge” and Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Challenge,” Texas Hold’em has become the latest national pastime.
The popularity of Texas Hold’em poker has not only engrossed the national television spotlight, but also has become popular among LSU students. From apartment complexes to the East Laville lobby, students are holding their own poker tournaments.
Michael Mladenka, a business pre-law senior, started hosting poker games with his friends at the beginning of the fall semester and plays about five times a week.
Mladenka said his friend, a professional poker player, taught him to play Texas Hold’em poker, but most people are able to grasp the game’s concept by watching the poker tournaments on TV.
“You learn a lot of terminology and poker moves by watching the shows on TV,” Mladenka said.
Mladenka’s poker games usually have pot sizes running anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on the amount of people who come to play.
Brian Jones, a secondary education junior, also holds Texas Hold’em poker nights every week.
Jones said he learned to play at summer camp and watches the tournaments on TV, hoping to catch a few of the professional’s techniques.
“I’ve learned certain strategies by watching TV, but I’ve learned a lot more by actually playing,” Jones said
Jones said as the game becomes more popular on television, more people come to his apartment to play. On average, around 10 people play every week.
“Everyone enjoys coming to play and just hanging out,” Jones said.
Ryan Arnold, a construction management senior, said he plays poker because of the game’s thrill.
“It’s exciting to play,” Arnold said. “It seems every hand looks good until you see the flop.”
Superstition also holds its place in these poker tournaments. Despite being over 21, Jones said people try to emulate the professionals by bringing lucky toys or figurines.
“I don’t really have any good luck object, but I always like to sit in the same seat, hoping it brings me luck,” Arnold said.
The possibility of winning money excites those who play, but according to Jones, it’s the friendly atmosphere that draws in people every week.
Jones said the money used to play goes toward buying drinks and snacks for the next week’s game.
“We play more of a social, fun game than a serious, money-making scheme,” Jones said. “People can play with five bucks and spend the entire night hanging out with a close group of friends. It’s a good alternative to Tigerland.”