TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

Now you have cameras peering in on each player's hands, making you feel like you are actually seated at the table. Every bead of sweat rolling down a player's balding head and each grimacing look on a player's face is actually captured on camera.

What's more, how can you not love the expert play-by-play commentary accompanying every hand dealt?

"The show had started with great ratings and moved to blockbuster ratings. (It) has united America's interest," said Jackie Lapin, head of media relations for "The World Poker Tour."

"(Lipscomb) felt he could tap into the 50 million people that play poker at home and at casinos. He was thrilled in the degree of acceptance of the show. The bonus is that he has been able to reach a whole new audience."

Texas Hold'Em has not only gained increasing popularity, it has also become a ritual for many.

Students and adults alike often find themselves marinating their minds while watching "The World Poker Tour" or "The Celebrity Poker Showdown" on Bravo.

"It's good entertainment and it gets more people hooked, so more people will start to play," first-year student Mike Ngo said.

For many it's a great hobby, but others actually consider it a sport. But whether it's heading down to the Indian casinos, Hollywood Park, Commerce, or even the On Campus Housing Council's Casino Night, the game of Texas Hold'Em takes as much skill and luck as any sport out there.

Every individual in the Texas Hold'Em room either wore an expressionless face or glared so mercilessly that even the 2003 World Poker Champion Chris Moneymaker would have cowered.

After constant inciting and boisterous chants of "Do it! Do it!" Ngo yelped, "I'm all in."

Three cards later, Ngo's pair of queens fell short to Conner's aces.

Needless to say, Ngo's brash move was all part of the Texas Hold'Em learning experience.

For players like Conner and Ngo, the game of poker goes beyond what their faces read.

"I've been playing cards pretty much my whole life," Conner said.

"My dad plays poker for a living. He's a house player at Hollywood Park," Ngo added. "He tells me to stay away from it, but I still play just for fun."

When and if the trend of Texas Hold'Em ever fades away remains to be seen. But until then, the devoted fans out there will continue to check, raise, and go all-in.