The History of Poker
July 3, 2008 – 9:36 pmPoker and its many variants has been played for over three centuries. It is known to be the oldest game that has lasted with very little change. Throughout time, it has evolved and possibly will remain for centuries more.
Poker has three origins that each have a claim. The sources most historians allege were the basis of modern day poker are the Persian game of as nas, German pochspiel, and French poque. Poker’s name derives from the French word poque which means to bluff.
Historians have been debating the origins of poker from decades. No one really knows from where poker exactly originated. However, none of them argue that poker is a fabulously entertaining game.
The Revolutionary War was when the first real documentation of poker was found. The soldiers would play a three card version of stud. The five-card version was developed during the Civil War as a nice distraction from the fighting.
A 20-card deck was dealt to four soldiers. The lower cards, 2 through 9 were eliminated for this version. The players bet on which one of them would have the better hand.
Once the game incorporated all of the cards in a 52-card deck, popularity grew for the game, which had become more complex. With the lower cards included the possibilities became larger. This popularity brought the game to the forefront rather than just something to pass the time.
Poker got its start in New Orleans during the early 1800’s, it is also believed. Through riverboats then the game expanded up the Mississippi river. This is where riverboat casinos on the Mississippi got their start too.
It is believed that the gold miners brought poker through the west into California. As it traveled through the west, casinos and saloons picked it up as daily sport. This institutionalized poker as a “wild west” staple.
Seven-card stud is the most popular version of poker played in modern days. Las Vegas casinos made it famous in recent years. Specially made for the seven-card game called Texas Hold’em, tournaments and tables have been put to good use.
Still played today in many casinos and online, the many different versions developed through the years. The three card version is the only type that did not make it through evolution. It is lost in the past now.
Of the many things that have tested the tribulations of time, poker is the most exciting. Due to its durability and addictiveness, poker has lasted thus far. While some things remain a fad that has faded, poker will last as it is for another couple of centuries.
Tags: Games
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