Beginning as a neophyte in the world of professional poker, gamers play through a story-based rise to virtual fame, and ultimately receive an invitation to the World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions. As the protégé of Chris Ferguson, players must prove their skills in circuit events to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. Beginning poker sharks can visit the "Hold’Em and Fold’Em" tutorial before trying their hand at the real deal. Throughout the "Story" mode, gamers are challenged by real-life poker buffs including Joseph Hachem, Scott Fischman, and Mark Seif, as well as Academy Award nominee (and World Series of Poker bracelet holder) Jennifer Tilly. As players progress, they unlock "poker tools" that let them check odds and track an opponent's behavior stats during gameplay. Online competition supports multi-table games for up to 21 players.