“You’ve gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run…” Kenny Rogers immortalized the rules of poker in this song.

Not only has poker infiltrated music, it has come into day-to-day language. When a woman calls her husband on a lie he allegedly told, she “calls his bluff.” When someone gives up at a task they want to achieve they “fold.” Rogers’ line about knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em has become respected advice: you’ve got to know when to keep trying and know when to give up.

In fact, it seems like poker is almost everywhere today. There was even an episode of “Friends” where the cast got together over cards for some fun.

The game of poker has a long history and is available in many forms. There are different variations of the game itself. In addition there are different ways to play those games. People can play at home, at a casino, in a poker room, or online. There are hundreds of tournaments worldwide. People can even take poker cruises that are centered on the game.

Beginners have a wide array of venues from which to learn about the game. There are poker books aplenty. Experts offer seminars and online lessons. There is poker software that teaches the basics of the game and videos with specific instructions. There are websites that provide the basics of the game as well as tips for different ways and venues for playing.

Because of the trend that poker has created, there are plenty of poker products including equipment, decorations, apparel, and more that fanatics can buy.

Poker has become a charity event and celebrities even get in on the fun. Each year a world champion of poker is named at the World Series of Poker and this event is nationally televised. Winners get fame, money and endorsements just like any other sport.

Because poker isn’t a physical sport, but a mental one, it’s a place where anyone has a chance to succeed, and this is part of its popularity. While poker experts will always exist, there remains the chance that a newbie will step into the game and beat the pants off all the old staples.