Aaron really went to bat, and worked it so you can get Texas Hold 'em for free.  All you have to do is download it during the first 48 hours of its availability. 

Texas Hold 'em will launch next Wednesday, August 23 at 0800 GMT (1am Pacific). For 48 hours only – Wednesday, August 23 through 0800 GMT (1am Pacific) Friday, August 25 – as a special limited-time only promotion, you can download the game at no charge (for all Xbox Live Gold and Silver members), and keep it forever. Starting at 0801 GMT (1:01am Pacific) Friday, August 25, ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for Xbox Live Arcade will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

In addition to ‘Texas Hold ’em’ on August 23, you can look forward to new game titles and premium downloadable game content starting tomorrow, August 16, including:

  • ‘Cloning Clyde Picture Pack’ will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, August 16.  Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).
  • ‘Time Pilot’, the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download ‘Time Pilot’ on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, August 30.  Available: 400 Microsoft Points.
  • ‘Scramble’, the classic side-scrolling ‘shoot-‘em up’ coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first ‘multi-level shooter,’ launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday September 6.  Available: 400 Microsoft Points. 

As always, all launch dates are subject to change. Gold subscription is required for multiplayer features. A memory unit or hard drive is required to download content from Xbox Live Marketplace.  Blah, blah, blah.

More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live, or in the media alert.