World Series of Poker 2008, The game has pleasing TV-style presentation

Learning the intricacies of poker by playing at Crown or an online casino could be a very expensive exercise indeed. So while many low-cost poker games are available for PC and consoles, World Series could still be considered good value.

Playing online versus (up to eight) other real players is the best way to sharpen your skills and you can appear on screen using a digital camera and practice your best poker face.

The epic career mode is also a huge time-waster, letting you go head-to-head against many of the world's best professional players, including Australia's Joe Hachem.

There's now more incentive to progress through the many tournaments using your customised character in the career mode, with players earning points as well as virtual cash in an effort to be crowned best player of the year. Going "all in" on a big hand and making the final table is an adrenalin rush. If you falter, you still have the chance to boost your bankroll at new cash-only events at famous casinos, with invitations arriving by mobile phone.

The game has pleasing TV-style presentation (which can usually be skipped to hurry the slow pace) and all the necessary information is always on display, such as your hand, the blinds and the status of competitors. Beginners are given plenty of instruction through tutorials and useful tools include those showing the odds of certain hands, cards that will help, and your current hand rank. Computer-controlled opponents are now smarter and more convincing - often aggressive but rarely foolish and occasionally springing deft traps. It's a shame they don't have more distinct personalities and behaviour, though.

In addition to the astonishingly popular Texas Hold 'Em, players can try poker variants such as Omaha, razz and seven card stud, as well as blackjack.

Review by Sydney Morning Herald | View product details at Amazon