The recognition of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been associated with 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.

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

As a result of the increasing fame of poker, increasingly more people are getting into the hype, which just isn’t going to fade over the following decade. Home games have become more and more popular and excellent poker tournaments abound. And also to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. Quite 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 into 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 debate now brewing within 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 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 are able to see another player’s “tells,” if his hands tremble when he has a big hand or maybe if his nose twitches if he bluffs. You can stare down an opponent in offline poker, and look great doing it like just what the pros do.

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

Alternatively, online poker has its advantages. Not everyone owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker sites will provide that for you, all you need to do is download the platform. You don’t have to waste time and effort organizing a home game, as you will find players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You can play with a German player or anyone who has an internet connection anywhere on the planet. You can 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 may actually bankroll your poker career without spending just one penny online.

And the odds are identical. The guidelines are identical. As well as the players are identical. Online poker has just made it easier for you to enjoy the best card game on the globe.