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Texas holdem (or simply holdem) is the most popular of the community card
poker games. It is the most popular poker variant played in casinos in the
western United States, and its no-limit form is used in the final event of
the World Series of Poker (abbreviated WSOP), widely recognized as the world
championship of the game.
In 2003, holdem exploded in popularity as a spectator sport in the United
States. This was due to several factors, including the introduction of
lipstick cameras that allowed the television audience to see the players'
hidden cards. ESPN's coverage of the WSOP featured the unexpected victory of
Internet player Chris Moneymaker (his real name), an amateur player who
gained admission to the tournament by winning a series of online
tournaments. Two additional holdem series debuted in 2003, the "World Poker
Tour" (abbreviated WPT) and "Celebrity Poker Showdown". Both of these shows
are still currently in production and garner a large and loyal viewership.
Holdem is commonly played in the rest of the world as well, but seven-card
stud, Omaha holdem and other games may be more popular in some places.
Although it can theoretically be played by up to 22 players, it is generally
played with between 2 and 10 people. It is one of the most positional of all
poker variants, since the order of betting is fixed throughout all betting
rounds.
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