The popularity of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been because of online gaming. Many home gamers and poker puritans will probably disagree, but history will tell us that the unprecedented spike of the card game’s popularity during the 21st century is largely because of its introduction online.

As always, some may argue that the invention of the hole-card camera has given poker an elite status as it has turned the game into a spectator sport. This innovation has allowed millions of poker aficionados worldwide to follow the action and drama of all of it, giving birth to a far more exciting broadcast of the World Series of Poker and also the World Poker Tour. Poker pros have become instant celebrities, because of cable and satellite TV.

As a result of the increasing fame of poker, more and more people are getting in to the hype, which isn’t about to fade over the following decade. Home games have become increasingly more popular and poker tournaments abound. And to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. Simply, virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can play poker to their hearts desire.

As a testament to the success of online poker, major tournaments have practically increased player base with the introduction of online satellite-qualifier games, with the winner earning a seat in to a major tourney. Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer, winners of the 2003 and 2004 WSOP tournaments respectively, won their seats online through satellites.

This brings us again to the good online poker debate now brewing in the poker community: online poker vs. offline poker?

The debate need not be as contentious as it may sound, as each of the gaming arena offers something advantageous over the other without really putting one down.

Online poker is played the same way as offline poker. The guidelines are identical for every sort of poker game like Texas Hold’em, Stud, or Draw poker. Some will state that offline poker is more exciting, as the opponents meet eye to eye. It really is here the place you can see the other player’s “tells,” if his hands tremble when he has a big hand or maybe if his nose twitches if he bluffs. You may stare down an opponent in offline poker, and look good doing it like what the pros do.

These are the things you’re not able to do online. You don’t see another players. You don’t get to observe their “tells.” All you can do is watch how they bet and find out if you can predict their betting patterns.

On the other hand, online poker has its advantages. Not everybody owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker sites will provide that for you, all you’ll need to do is download the platform. You don’t have to waste time and energy organizing a home game, as you’ll find players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You may play with a German player or anyone who has an internet access anywhere worldwide. You may play with real money or simply have fun playing without it. What is more, most poker sites will give you free money to play with without even asking for a deposit, which means you can actually bankroll your poker profession without spending an individual penny online.

As well as the odds are identical. The rules are identical. As well as the players are the same. Online poker has just made it easier that you can experience the best card game on earth.