When people gathered around a poker table, arguments used to erupt over what variation of the gambling game should be played, but now there is only one god of poker, and its name is Texas Hold 'em.

In dorms, fraternity houses and Knox Boxes, people are gathering around the poker tables several times a week and ponying up cash for a chance at doubling their beer money.

"It's a nice chance for guys to hang out, relax and shoot the s---," said Ben Supowit, a senior accounting major.

Texas Hold 'em has enjoyed something of a renaissance lately, aided by the popularity of the movie Rounders, and ESPN's airing of the World Series of Poker, the granddaddy of poker tournaments.

Since ESPN began televising the $2.5 million tournament, students have been flocking to the table to try their hand at the game.

"People watch the tournament and think they know how to play just because they watched the tournament two or three times," said Justin Berlin, a senior sociology major who has been playing since high school.

Back then, he said, it was hard to find people who knew how to play the game. Now it seems they're everywhere.

For those who don't have the $10,000 buy-in for the World Series, though, a plethora of tournaments are popping up on campuses across the country, as well as here at the university. Jewish student group Hillel recently held a charity Hold 'em tournament that drew more than 100 people.

Online gaming has also contributed to the recent success of Texas Hold 'em. Websites such as CollegePokerChampionship.com and PartyPoker.com offer students a chance to play poker when there isn't a group of people handy.