History:

Poker is one of the most well known card games in all the U.S.  It is believed to have descended from a Persian game called As Nas.  It showed up in the U.S. around the 1830's near New Orleans.  Popularity of poker spread like wildfire throughout the east of the Mississippi via the railroad.  Although there are many variations of poker, but Texas Hold'em and 5 Card Draw now and then when it was first introduced.

Rules:

This game is played with a 52 card deck, with the order of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and the Ace also can used as a 1.  The objective is to win the pot which accumulates money from the other players.  Each game starts with an ante which is a small sum of money everyone puts into the pot.  The cards are always dealt towards the left of the dealer.  The betting moves clockwise as well with the option of call, raise, fold, or check.  Between each round of betting (2 rounds) you trade in cards for others (draw).  At the end, the highest hand wins all the money.

Strategy:

When you play poker, make sure you have a straight face called a "poker face" so you don't give away what kind of cards you have.  Never be afraid to fold.  If your hand isn't good enough to play, don't get into betting with a seasoned veteran.  During betting phases, you should always bet at something reasonable, don't go over your head and lose all your money.  Sometimes you will win while betting over your head, but most likely you will lose.  Remember, few people have made fortunes off playing poker, and I don't think you'll be going there fast.  

Greats:

Barry Greenstien:

He is a quiet figure with a big heart.  He was on the WSOP Tour and won a championship bracelet.  He gave most of his money to charity.  He has been nicknamed the Robin Hood of Poker because he helps many in need of money while playing poker.

Roy Cook:

Roy was born 1980, at 22, he was a poker hit winning poker championships all over the west coast.  Roy started to realized all formidable poker skills were then being consumed by the games.  So he got out and started writing magazines and occasionally go back to Vegas for a small cash game

Personal Experience:

Poker in itself are all about betting and playing smart.  If you can't play your cards right, you will go home broke with no rent money or any money for that matter.  If you're in the backyard or at a casino, either way you could win or lose money.  You're playing to win or for fun. Play for yourself and for nobody else.  When someone tells you to take one for the team, remember, there is no team. people will say not to bet, bet what you want and play for yourself only.