Poker in Europe - The German Poker Players Association Germany is a country with a poker playing tradition that has established itself to an impressive degree over a relatively short timeframe. When the Texas Hold'em explosion of the mid-1990s sent ripples of interest from the United States across the globe is all directions, Germany was one of the first nations to respond in a robust fashion. Now there are more and more German citizens who are exposing themselves to the glory of poker - through televised tournaments and texas holdem online, primarily - and the nation as a whole looks toward the day when the next World Series of Poker champion will be an individual of German citizenship.

In response to the growing demand for a unified body which can represent the nation's spreading interest, the German Poker Players Association (GPPA) was formed in 1996 by Horst Koch. Many enthusiasts of the game were already familiar with Koch, as he had attained the tile of German Poker Champion 1995 the previous year. Truly, no more qualified ambassador to the game of poker could be hoped for in the foundation of this venerable institution.

The headquarters for the German Poker Players Association is located in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, a town not far from Stuttgart. One of the organization's primary functions is to organize and promote a host of casino tournaments throughout the calendar year. Also, the GPPA oversees the highly prestigious German and European Poker Championships, which consistently attract the very best players from all over the continent.

The German Poker Players Association is extremely proactive in broadening the reach of poker, in all its forms, so that the average citizen can experience the game on a firsthand basis. Through a multileveled publicity campaign, the GPPA effectively communicates the message of responsible gambling while introducing novices to many intricacies of poker strategy. The organization has proven indispensable in terms of both educating and entertaining large swaths of the general public, and is committed to furthering its mission in the coming years.

As the European Poker Tour continues to rival the World Poker Tour and other running televised competitions for supremacy of key markets, the contributions of organizations like the GPPA becomes ever more crucial. If German citizens are to take an active role in the emergence of poker across Europe, a central governing body can be the most fundamental tool at their disposal.

By joining the German Poker Players Association, individuals expose themselves to a wealth of information and resources. Joining tournaments, cash games and poker freerolls become simple and efficient, and communicating with other players falling under a wide range of skill levels ensures constant improvement in one's own game play. Online and club communities are formed by virtue of shared membership, providing a flow of gaming opportunities, both cash-based and strictly instructional in nature.

Having all these resources culled together under one banner is priceless. Year in and year out, the German Poker Players Association makes sure that the world's most popular card game is available to all.