Poker becomes the latest phenomenon

Consider the trends our generation has made its way through: Tamoagochi, Jnco jeans, “American Idol” and most recently, Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments. With a cult-like following, poker tournaments have been appearing in homes, bars and restaurants alike. These tournaments have created quite a stir in much of Atlanta. At any given time on any given day, one could argue that it would be impossible to throw a red or blue betting chip in downtown Atlanta and not knock over at least one poker fanatic.

I work at a restaurant that holds a tag team Texas Hold ‘Em tournament every Thursday. No cost to play, no real money involved, and yet every Thursday around 8:00 p.m., our doors are flooded with regulars and curious first-timers, anxiously waiting their turn at our makeshift green-felt tables. After leaving my restaurant last Thursday, I called a friend for some after-work entertainment. Expecting to leave the bluffs, back raises, pocket cards and pairs behind, I then discovered my evening date was leaving a poker game of his own. We met at a bar a few blocks away. Upon crossing the threshold, we were met with wall-to-wall poker tables, green felt, and blue and red chips as far as the eye could see. As we moved on to the next location, the magnitude of the Texas Hold ‘Em craze became increasingly more prevalent as every accessible piece of wall and furniture, the menu and the wait staff all advertised poker night.

It then occurred to me the degree to which this fad has reached. Having never been a true poker fan, (I know, I know, you can lower your pitchforks now) it seems to me that this craze has become just as much a matter of trend analysis as one of social survival. What is it about a game previously associated with middle-aged cigar-smoking men and dogs in paintings that has caused such a sudden stir in society? Should we blame the television coverage for this outbreak of Texas Hold ‘Em? Possibly the “get rich quick” concept poker games imply is to blame. Alternatively, is it simply a result of excess availability? Have people grown tired of sitting around doing nothing, and poker allows them a reason to get together and drink (ahem)?

Warranting ESPN coverage previously restricted to hard sports, poker is rapidly becoming a staple in our society. Poker’s popularity has moved from smoky casinos and bars to classy restaurants, television specials, DVD packs and a plethora of Web sites devoted to all aspects of the game. These aspects range from explanations of poker terms and game strategies to sites devoted to the fulfillment of poker addicts' cravings, 24 hours a day.

Georgia State University has fallen victim to this poker mania, as many circles throughout campus readily admit a growing passion for the game. Students such as Courtney Massett feel that this is due to the celebrity tournaments. "It's our fascination with the stars, whatever they do we want to be a part of," she said. "Plus, Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve helped a lot!”

Other students blame coverage and the presence of new previously neglected forms of poker for the recent state of poker. “ESPN opened Texas Hold ‘Em, a different genre of poker, to people," said Georgia State student Jordan Howard. "In doing, so it opened them up to poker in general.”
In the escalation of such a phenomenon, a culture has begun to emerge. With specialized ceremonies, lingo, dress and rules, the poker culture can be somewhat intimidating for those few who have maintained their Texas Hold ‘Em innocence. However, after my experience and inability to hide from poker for even one night, I had to consider poker's prevalence and its effects on those left outside the table. The tenderfoot curious onlookers brought to the table by either force or exhaustion maintain pokers' current momentum. We can either buy in or fold. Pull up to the table or run away and attempt in vain to hide from what is rapidly becoming one of our nation’s preferred past times. Ante up boys, dealers in.