World Series of Poker: Pro Challenge

It's pretty fair to say that there's not exactly a drought of poker games from for your mobile. The quality obviously differs greatly, but there are quite a few decent ones to choose from – Poker Million The Masters immediately springs to mind.

This game, however, promises something different in that its World Series status means it's bringing the stars along with it.

Okay, so there's every possibility that you'll raise an eyebrow quizzically when we tell you Chris Ferguson, Johnny Chan and Annie Duke are among the players you'll be up against, but you should be well aware of who Shannon Elizabeth is. Yes, we do mean that Shannon Elizabeth. And, no, we didn't know that she played poker, either.

Turns out also that the World Series of Poker is the richest sporting event in the world, with cash prizes that reach sums like $12,000,000 (in 2006). And although you won't win any money for playing this game, you will be rewarded with a detailed and accurate simulation of poker.

The poker variant of choice here is Texas Hold 'em, which means you're initially dealt two cards and then you get to 'pick' three remaining ones from five 'community' cards that are dealt face up in the middle of the table.

Apart from that though, the rules are pretty much the same as standard poker, so the object is to get the best possible hand, bet wisely and see if you can out-bluff your computer opponent.

All of the digitised stars play cleverly and keep their cards close to their respective chests, so it's obviously difficult to work out when one is bluffing. But an interesting dynamic is something called the 'Tilt' meter.

Essentially, the meter increases every time your opponent loses a hand. When it's full, it means they're flustered and more likely to make an unforced error. These are the times when you can bet big and hopefully reap the rewards of your tactical gameplay.

That may sound gimmicky, but don't let it mislead you. World Series of Poker is more detailed a poker simulation than you might expect to find on mobile, and as such is not for beginners.

But for anyone with an interest in the game – and definitely anyone who recognises the game's players – there is a great deal here to like. The lengthy Career mode should keep you busy for ages and, crucially, the smart AI underpinning the game's excellent poker dynamic means that the card action is always unpredictable and fun.