A word game based on "hold'em poker is played using one or more decks of cards, with each card containing a consonant or a vowel. In the preferred embodiment, separate decks are provided for the vowels and consonants, respectively. Two cards from the vowel deck are dealt face down to each player. Three consonant cards are then dealt face up in the center of the table. These face up consonant cards are available for use by all players. The object of the game is to provide the longest word possible using the face down cards and the face up cards in the center of the table. After the three up cards have been dealt, the players bet using play money distributed to the players at the beginning of the game. After the first round of betting is complete, a fourth consonant card is dealt face up in the center of the table and a further round of betting takes place. A fifth card (also a consonant card) is dealt face up in the center of the table and the final round of betting takes place.