Going Against The Odds: High Stakes Poker

Deception, wit, and a huge cash prize is something that makes a television program so gripping that audiences cannot be helped but are drawn to a show. Who could blame them? With professional poker players showing off their skills and mastery of the game, it also catches the interest of those not interested in the game.

It is because of these facts that poker games featuring pros make good reality shows, such as the draw of GSN's High Stakes Poker, now on its fifth season. This show airs on cable television and showcases the world's best players go head to head against each other. This show uses Texas Hold 'Em poker and had its debut in 2006. During its first season, the show featured something unique: it did not use a tournament style but used a ring or round competition instead. The minimum amount of buy-in for this game is $100,000 but some players went way over the budget. As much as $1,000,000 was brought in Season 1 by Daniel Negraneu and Season 3's Brad Booth. Then, in season four, the show's minimum buy-in was increased to $500, 000 and was broadcasted in 2007.

First broadcasted in 2006 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, High Stakes Poker featured just 13 episodes of intense poker matches. During the next season, the set was transferred to The Palms and had 3 more episodes than the previous season. The setting changed again in season three as they filmed from South Point Casino. Aside from the change of setting, season three had only 13 episodes like the first season. In season 3, which aired in January 2007, new players were welcomed to the table. These new players include Chris Ferguson, Brian Townsend, Jamie Gold, and Patrik Antonious among others. Show regulars Daniel Negraneu, Brad Booth, and Erik Lindgren, and others, returned in this very exciting season. The next season, the fourth one, had more players joining and featured a whopping 17 episodes. Season 4 was taped in South Point.

According to the show's producers, GSN, the appeal of High Stakes Poker was geared toward younger audiences. This following convinced them to continue the show for the fifth season and taped it in the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. The fifth season was taped in December 2008 and episodes have been aired in March 2009.

For the fifth season, minimum buy-in costs $200,000, the show's largest to date. Another interesting thing about GSN's High Stakes Poker is that the chips used in the game represent real money. Participants of the show are also allowed to use cash instead of poker chips, another unique feature of this show. Also, a player who loses his initial buy-in is allowed to rebuy at least $50,000.

With several unique features highlighting the show, it's no wonder that High Stakes Poker has captivated its audience. A roster of professional poker players set in the most famous entertainment capital in the world, the show combines glitz, glamour, and even the thrill of a high stakes match.