Deadwood Poker is very much Alive

You can play cards anywhere these days. Poker is played in high-class casinos, on top-notch cruise ships, in private clubs, and on a million computer screens. That's enough for some people, but others find themselves hankering for a more authentic experience.

If you've ever longed to try the game the way it was played back in the good old days, yet you still enjoy modern amenities and high-stakes tournaments, you'll want to saddle up and head for Deadwood, South Dakota.

A taste of the old west and a hearty taste for poker.

Wild Bill's Watching Deadwood has a long gaming history. Things were really hopping during the Gold Rush of 1876, when prospectors rode into town and visited one of the many saloons to celebrate striking it rich. Poker was a vital part of the town's culture then. A lot of money changed hands over Deadwood's card tables, so much that it cost Wild Bill Hickok his life. He's buried, along with Calamity Jane, at Mount Moriah cemetery, just outside of town.

Wild Bill's final resting spot gives him a prime view of the town today, now classified as a National Historic Landmark. Costumed reenactors prowl the streets during tourist season, which lasts from May to October. They stage two dozen shoot-outs a day, deputizing kids left and right along the way. Deadwood is surrounded by gold mines, where modern-day prospectors can try their hand at panning for gold, and there's a fun park where the kids can enjoy water rides, gokarts and mini-golf.

But the main attraction, now, as in Deadwood's early days, takes place inside the casinos. Ever since legalized gaming came to Deadwood in 1989, the town has exploded with venues offering blackjack, slots, and video poker, but the best game in town is still at the poker tables. Just ask Wild Bill. He'll tell you the cards are to die for.

Where To Go There are over 80 gaming halls in Deadwood. A tourist could be easily overhwelmed by the sheer density of available games, so we turned to a local in the know. George Milos is one of Deadwood's most avid poker players, and he clued us in to where we could find the best action. Here are 2 of the must-play destinations.

The Franklin Hotel History buffs will love the Franklin Hotel. The classic western building is over 100 years old. Despite its age, or maybe because of it, "It's absolutely gorgeous," Milos said. "Presidents have stayed here, John Wayne stayed here, Willie Nelson stayed here."

What brought the stars?

Well, they may have enjoyed the ambience, but chances are they took a turn at one of the Franklin's three poker tables. Ducking inside Durty Nelly's bar, you'll find one of the smaller poker seven-card stud, and hi/lo split. If you're a novice player or not yet ready to break out your big bankroll, The Franklin is a great place to play: You'll run into more beggining players, and there are lower limits than almost everywhere else in town.

Saloon #10 Welcome to the Wild West Experience. This is the real deal, an old-fashioned saloon with sawdust on the floor. Legend has it that Wild Bill Hickok met his demise here, after a notorious hand full of black aces, eights, and the nine of diamonds. Draw that hand today, and you'll win a $250 Dead Man's Hand bonus.

Saloon #10 bills itself as the only museum with a bar, but you can play some fine cards here as well. The poker room has five tables, and you can play Texas hold'em, Omaha, or hi/lo split. Lots and lots of regular tournaments take place here, including a ladies-only tournament that gets mighty serious and mighty fast.