Riding The Height Of High Stakes Poker

Perhaps one of the biggest factors on why poker is such a popular card game is that it involves risk and strategy. While there are other games that also take these into play, there's nothing like a card game that involves outwitting and outplaying an opponent and then getting a really sweet cash prize for being wily. Now, thanks to television, the intense card game can be broadcasted. At the front lines of probably the most riveting shows is High Stakes Poker where the game is played a bit different and a lot more interesting.

Produced by cable television network GSN, the show is already on its fifth season. All of the show's episodes and seasons have been filmed in different hotels around Las Vegas, the world's entertainment capital. As soon as the show aired, it already set itself apart from other similar shows. Instead of being in tournament format, High Stakes Poker is in a, well.. high stakes ring game where players can win and lose everything in one hand. The show uses the no limit Hold 'Em style. Aside from poker chips, players are also allowed to use cash during the game. The cash used while playing could remain as such and not be converted into their value in poker chips. Also, unlike some shows, High Stakes Poker welcomes players from all levels. While there are professionals that have participated in the game, there were also amateurs that battled more seasoned players on the table.

Another unique feature of this show also rests in the fact that they allow the poker players to use their own money to buy-in and bet. It is perhaps this fact that makes this show so interesting: players have a lot riding in the game that it really is high stakes for them. In case players lose their buy-in money, they are allowed by the rules to rebuy at the minimum amount of $50,000. The players are also allowed to "deal it twice" with heads up hands. What this means is that the players can deal two flops instead of just one.

Hosts A.J. Benza and pro poker player Gabe Kaplan provide insightful commentary and analysis in the one-hour show. The two's commentaries enlighten audiences on how the game is being played as well as explain the strategy of the players. By doing so, the hosts are then giving tips of sorts to poker players and poker enthusiasts who tune in on the show.

Through this, the audience is treated not only to analyze and effectively dissects the finer elements of playing the game, they are also allowed access to one of the most riveting and intense battles. Since it allows players to use their own money, professionals are pitted against amateurs and enthusiasts with very deep pockets. What you get is a game that just vibrates from intensity and thrill. If you want a poker show that isn't run of the mill, you better watch this one.