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RANKIN INLET - More than 50 card sharks turned out to play in Pakallak Tyme's Texas hold 'em poker tournament in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Proceeds from the event went towards helping with the travel costs of a Nunavut midget team heading to Winnipeg to compete in an aboriginal hockey tournament from May 3 to 9.

Billy Kaludjak places his bet as Bill Taylor, right, ponders his next move at a Texas hold 'em tournament Tyme in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The game of Texas hold 'em has become hugely popular among card aficionados around the world during the past decade and Rankin is no different.

Troy Aksalnik is well known to local card sharks as one of Rankin's better players.

Aksalnik knows what it takes to capture a tournament crown, and rarely passes up the chance to challenge the hamlet's best players.

"I really started playing Texas hold 'em about four years ago and was fortunate enough to win the first big event I entered," said Aksalnik.

"I was hooked from that point on and really enjoy playing the game.

"There's more skill involved with Texas hold 'em than five card stud or draw poker.

"There's luck involved with any poker game, but there's more skill with hold 'em, especially at bigger tables."

Aksalnik said he doesn't really watch what other players do all that much.

He said he doesn't concern himself too much with their betting habits, or looking for the type of hints the pros refer to as tells.

"I basically play my own cards and don't worry too much about what the other players are doing.

"Bluffing can be a big part of the game, and sometimes you just feel like it's time to go all-in or fold your hand.

"There's been more than a few times I've gone all-in, thinking for sure I had the best cards, and was really surprised when another player had a better hand than me."

Aksalnik said no matter how friendly the game, you do run into players who get upset when they lose.

He said he agrees with the old rule that if you can't afford to lose, you shouldn't be playing.

"It's fun to play in a tournament like the one during Pakallak Tyme when you know the money's going towards a good cause.

"But I don't feel guilty when I win and the other person is upset about losing their money.

"I had the best cards and won the pot, and that's what the game's all about and why we play."