Let the Games Begin

Huzzah! Today marks the kick-off event of the 2006 World Series of Poker -- they begin with sort of a pre-show ritual before the big show begins, with today's event being the casino employee's event, a kinda pre-thank-you for all the work the employees are about to be subjected to for the next two months. Theoretically, my thank you will come with the Media Event held the day before the $10,000 buy-in No Limit Hold'em Main Event, for the covering and writing and following I'll be doing here at poker.about.com of the event. I haven't received my invite yet, so expect a whirlwind of event coverage here so I can earn my thanks.

Meanwhile, it's a good time to brush up on a few of the games & poker terms I'll be bandying about during the next few months:

• How to Play: Texas Hold'em | 7-Card Stud | Omaha | Razz
• Guide to Poker Slang for Hold'em Hands
• Common Poker Slang:
  The Nuts | Muck | Limp | Kicker | Suckout | Bubble | Button