Holdem got its big break when Binions casino started up what would come to be known as the World Series of Poker, and in 1971 made the main event a game of no-limit Texas holdem. Interest in the game grew steadily, but slowly over the years. In the 80’s card rooms in California and Europe began offering the game.

Most of the innovations that make holdem popular today came about in the late 90’s to early this century. The use of the “lipstick camera” may be the single most important addition to the game. Started on the UK television show Late Night Poker in 1999, the lipstick camera made Texas holdem compelling as a television spectator sport. Just in time for Chris Moneymaker to qualify for the World Series of Poker online, and draw huge attention to the game, and to online poker in general. Soon everyone was logging on and trying to become the next Internet sensation, and tuning in to the TV to learn how the masters played the game.

Television greatly expanded Texas Holdem’s appeal around the world, and many new series and events were devised for their mass broadcast appeal. How to play books have been around since Doyle Brunson self-published his landmark book Doyle Brunson’s Super System, but now books to teach the game were everywhere. Forums were sprouting up on the internet to discuss poker and dissect play and players. Every online wagering group had to have a poker room or they seemed to be behind the times. Truly a Golden Age of Texas Holdem.

Online poker continues to grow and the game that is played is predominantly Texas Holdem. The top pro players are celebrities, and poker sites continue to sprout up. Of course, there is really only one Poker Forum players should log onto to learn the game, hear poker news, and try their skill against their peers.