Microsoft isn't screwing around with this whole Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. For the first 48-hours following the launch of Texas Hold em next week, gamers can log on to Live and download a full version of the game for free. The game will hit servers at 1 a.m. Pacific Aug. 23, so you will have to download it by 1 a.m. Pacific Friday. After that the game will be 800 points.

I was already planning on picking this game up, because I love poker, but now I'm going to have to do it but quick.

Texas Hold Em includes a persistent bankroll, which means it tracks your chip count, and multiplayer support for up to eight players. The game has three modes of play (standard, scenarios and tournaments), achievements, online leaderboards and stats. Brian Crecente

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