The History of Poker
People have been playing poker since the 1700’s. It is claimed to be the oldest game that has not varied much over the years. It is believed that it will last 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.
The origins of the game have been debated for years. No one will ever know exactly from where poker came. However, there is no argument that it is an exciting and fun game to play.
Poker became popular during the Revolutionary War in the United States. The game of choice for soldiers was the version of stud that used only three cards. The five-card version of stud became a useful diversion during the Civil War.
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.
The game became more complicated once the game included all of the cards in a 52-card deck. The game also gained more popularity with the lower cards involved. Further than just a simple game between soldiers trying to forget where they were, this brought poker new popularity.
Historians also believe that poker became a gambling game in New Orleans during the 1800’s expansion. It was next found on the riverboats traveling up and down the Mississippi. Riverboats can still be found with poker as a main attraction.
In this theory of the evolution of American poker, it is believed that the settlers and gold rush miners brought poker to the west coast. Saloons and casinos were built throughout the west, which offered various versions of poker and its derivatives. This helped establish poker’s popularity in America.
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.
The many different versions, which developed through the years, are still played today in many casinos and online. The only exception to this is the first version of the game. The three-carded version of stud seems to have been lost in the past.
Poker is probably the most exciting of the many things that have lasted throughout time. Its durability and addictiveness proves the longevity of the game thus far. Poker will be around forever while some things may wane with time.
