Post by jdaddy on Apr 4, 2008 11:12:04 GMT -4
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Poker Players Alliance: News and Articles
[PA] Texas Hold ‘Em brings together young, old
by Jennifer Jungwirth, The Champion
Every Tuesday night Mike Holm – and about 35 other area residents – play poker at the Sports Zone in Harrisburg.
For two years now, the bar has hosted a poker league every Tuesday night at 7 and 9 p.m. Participants take their chances on Texas Hold ‘Em, the ever-growing version of poker now a presence on television and in plenty of bars and home poker tables in the U.S.
"It's real competitive and everyone has a good time. It's a great social event," Sports Zone Owner Dave Jennings said.
360 Bar & Grill in Tea, formerly the Sports Page, also has Texas Hold ‘Em competitions each Thursday and Friday. Owner Melissa Naatjes said the more games that are available, the more people will play.
"People just really want to get out and practice their game," Naatjes said.
Texas Hold ‘Em is only one of more than 500 poker games and variations, Holm said.
In Texas Hold ‘Em, each player is dealt two cards. The player uses those two cards – called hole cards – along with the five community cards on the table to build a hand.
"It just fun and challenging," Holm said. "It's fun to see if you can beat the other guys."
Players don't bet with money in Harrisburg, but they still keep up their game.
A poker player for more than 30 years, Holm said success takes intuition and the ability to read the other players. Because many of the same players turn up week after week, Holm picks up on the their tendencies. Holm said he "tries to keep an even keel." "I try not to have a nervous twitch," he said. "A good poker player will pick up on that."
As for new players, Holm said you don't know what their ticks may be. "You bet on your intuitions then," he said.
Jeff Hanssen, a two-year regular at the Sports Zone, picks up on little weaknesses – and takes advantage. In addition to twitches or facial expressions, Hanssen watches how the players throw their chips in, he said. Since the league began, Jennings and Hanssen said it's grown in popularity. "When I started there were maybe 14 people," Hanssen said.
Attracting players from Harrisburg, Tea, Sioux Falls and Brandon, Jennings said the game has grown and he now sees about 35 players turn up at each session. "It grows every week," he said. "It gets a little bit bigger each time because people have a good time."
Author Contact Info: Jennifer Jungwirth, The Champion
Poker Players Alliance: News and Articles
[PA] Texas Hold ‘Em brings together young, old
by Jennifer Jungwirth, The Champion
Every Tuesday night Mike Holm – and about 35 other area residents – play poker at the Sports Zone in Harrisburg.
For two years now, the bar has hosted a poker league every Tuesday night at 7 and 9 p.m. Participants take their chances on Texas Hold ‘Em, the ever-growing version of poker now a presence on television and in plenty of bars and home poker tables in the U.S.
"It's real competitive and everyone has a good time. It's a great social event," Sports Zone Owner Dave Jennings said.
360 Bar & Grill in Tea, formerly the Sports Page, also has Texas Hold ‘Em competitions each Thursday and Friday. Owner Melissa Naatjes said the more games that are available, the more people will play.
"People just really want to get out and practice their game," Naatjes said.
Texas Hold ‘Em is only one of more than 500 poker games and variations, Holm said.
In Texas Hold ‘Em, each player is dealt two cards. The player uses those two cards – called hole cards – along with the five community cards on the table to build a hand.
"It just fun and challenging," Holm said. "It's fun to see if you can beat the other guys."
Players don't bet with money in Harrisburg, but they still keep up their game.
A poker player for more than 30 years, Holm said success takes intuition and the ability to read the other players. Because many of the same players turn up week after week, Holm picks up on the their tendencies. Holm said he "tries to keep an even keel." "I try not to have a nervous twitch," he said. "A good poker player will pick up on that."
As for new players, Holm said you don't know what their ticks may be. "You bet on your intuitions then," he said.
Jeff Hanssen, a two-year regular at the Sports Zone, picks up on little weaknesses – and takes advantage. In addition to twitches or facial expressions, Hanssen watches how the players throw their chips in, he said. Since the league began, Jennings and Hanssen said it's grown in popularity. "When I started there were maybe 14 people," Hanssen said.
Attracting players from Harrisburg, Tea, Sioux Falls and Brandon, Jennings said the game has grown and he now sees about 35 players turn up at each session. "It grows every week," he said. "It gets a little bit bigger each time because people have a good time."
Author Contact Info: Jennifer Jungwirth, The Champion