It's a Saturday evening and there's nothing going on. The parties are missing, the television is showing reruns and the off-campus scene is dismal. Instead of giving up on your weekend, why not indulge in a game of luck and skill that has become popular throughout the world: poker.

All you need are a deck of cards and a few friends to get started, although you should check with your college or university to see what rules apply to gambling events - even a small game amongst friends could be subject to disciplinary action if you aren't sure of the regulations. Whether you're playing for fun or money, the high intensity game can definitely liven up even the most boring weekend night. For beginner poker players, a few hands of Five Card Draw will help you learn the value of different hands while Texas Hold 'em is the current favorite amongst pro players.

Thanks to the internet, you can get your game on without finding a large group on campus - you can even connect with friends at other schools online to play. While, like your campus regulations, there are a number of laws regulating US players on poker websites, there are a number of sites that allow US as well as international players - you can find a full rundown at Casinator as well as some information on free poker money with no deposit required. These free options are perfect for beginner poker players who want to try their hand at the game but don't want to invest.

Poker has gained a reputation of being a game played for income thanks to the numerous televised poker tournaments and popularity of online poker games however cash winnings are simply a bonus on top of the game itself. Poker is a game of skill as well as luck and always provides an enjoyable way to spend some time with friends.