FORGET trivia. Poker nights are taking pubs by storm as the new way for bar flies to while away the hours.
It could be the sight of the sexy desperate housewives playing a few rounds, or the win by Australian Joe Hachem at the World Series of poker last year, which made him an instant multimillionaire. Either way, poker nights are rapidly becoming a popular fixture in Sydney pubs and clubs.
The National Poker League (NPL) has more than doubled the number of participating pubs in the past four weeks, which now number 75, up from 35.
Australian Hotels Association executive officer David Elliott said the popularity of the nights had taken off in the past six months following Mr Hachem's big win, in which he pocketed $US7.5 million ($10 million).
"Poker nights have become the new trivia nights," Mr Elliott said. "Both pubs and clubs have taken it by storm."
Participants do not play for money (which would be gambling and thus illegal), but for points and prizes.
Bar Cleveland general manager Anthony Keon said the craze was becoming increasingly popular.
Poker nights have been held at the bar for the past four weeks with dozens of players taking part.
"It's staggering how it's taken off," Mr Keon said.
The NPL's Richard O'Neill said the league aimed to have 300 pubs participating in NSW by the end of its third season.
The final for season one is due to take place at the Equilibrium Hotel on May 14, with 300 players expected to take part.
"It's humungous in the United States," he said.
"It's the biggest craze over there and it has been for the past two years."
He said there were seven television channels dedicated to poker, adding that it was taking over from police detective shows as the new hot thing to watch.
"In the States it's the new forensic science of TV," he said.
TEXAS - BY STAGES
Texas Hold 'Em is the game of choice because it is easy to learn, you can comfortably have 10 players a table and it is simple for patrons to deal the hands.
Each player starts with two cards face down. Players bet on the strength of their two cards. The dealer then deals three cards face up, known as the flop. These are community cards for the use of all players.
There is another betting round with players including flop in their hand. Another card is then dealt face-up, called the turn.
After betting, the fifth and final community card is dealt, known as the river card. Final round of betting commences.
* Players use the two cards in their hand and the five community cards to come up with their best poker hands.
Source: National Poker League
