Between 2003 and 2006, the popularity of online poker increased dramatically. It is often regarded as the period at which poker transitioned from a game played in back rooms to a popular hobby enjoyed by the general public.
During the boom, the most popular poker variety was Texas hold'em, but several other versions were also popular, including 7-card stud, 5-card draw, and Omaha hi-lo.
Existing and new online poker rooms fought for new clients, many of whom were playing the game for the first time or transitioning from casual games to online tournaments. Online casinos rushed to include poker to their offerings, with many preferring video poker over poker rooms.
What Started the Poker Boom?
Chris Moneymaker, an American accountant, began playing poker online and went on to win the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003.
He was the first person to accomplish so at the age of 27 after qualifying for a spot in the Main Event by playing online
His impact on the expansion of poker popularity has been nicknamed the "Moneymaker Effect," as more individuals began participating in online tournaments and seeking to imitate his success.
Everyone and their mother wants to play poker all of a sudden. Every year until 2006, the number of online poker players more than doubles, with a slew of new/inexperienced players trying their luck on the virtual felt.
Today I'd want to highlight one infamous player (tuff_fish) from the boom years who I only know by his screen name.
“Oh, daggum…I didn’t see the board was paired! God, what a freakin’ moron.”
“The chances of him having [the nuts] is 50/50 at least.”
“God mother****ing god damn ****sucker.”
“Oh, you scum.”
"At the time, he was arguably a better than average player."
Tuff fish, believe it or not, was actually quite good by mid-2000s standards.
He made these VODs to publish on CardRunners (biggest poker training site in 2000s) so he could gain criticism and better his game. Taylor Caby, the founder of CardRunners, went so far as to state that
"he was definitely a better than average player at the time."
See more: How solvers revolutionise poker strategy
FAQ
Q: What was the poker boom?
A: The poker boom was a period of time, starting in the early 2000s, when poker became extremely popular, especially online. This was due in large part to the success of televised poker tournaments and the growth of online poker sites.
Q: What was it like to be an online poker player during the poker boom?
A: Being an online poker player during the poker boom was a thrilling experience for many. There were lots of new players joining the game, which meant there were lots of opportunities to make money. The competition was fierce, but the rewards were great.
Q: How did online poker change during the poker boom?
A: Online poker changed a lot during the poker boom. There were more players, which meant bigger prize pools and more tournaments. The software used by online poker sites also improved, making the games more enjoyable and user-friendly. However, the increased popularity of online poker also brought new challenges, such as cheating and collusion.
Q: What strategies did successful online poker players use during the poker boom?
A: Successful online poker players during the poker boom used a variety of strategies, including aggressive play, tight play, and bluffing. They also studied their opponents' play and adjusted their own strategies accordingly. Good bankroll management was also crucial, as the games could be volatile.
Q: What happened to online poker after the poker boom?
A: Online poker continued to be popular after the poker boom, but it also faced new challenges. The U.S. government cracked down on online poker in 2011, leading to the closure of several major sites. This had a significant impact on the industry, but online poker remains popular in other parts of the world.
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