History of poker

Poker is currently one of most popular card games in the world. This article takes a look at the history of poker and the rise of its popularity.

Unknown origins

There are many theories regarding the origins of poker. Historians believe it was derived from the first card games which were inspired by a game of dominoes developed by the Emperor Mu-Tsung of China in the 10th century. 600 years later, in India, Ganijifa had some similarities to poker. Similarly, British Bragg uses a similar vocabulary and combinations found in poker. As NAS which was played in Iran in the 17th and 18th century with 25 cards, adds the concepts of bluffing and chance. This game then travelled to Europe.

It gave birth to Primero which started in the 17th century uses a different set of betting values and where there are hands like a pair or set. The name came from a Poker game, popular in Germany and France in the 17th century, which seems to be the true ancestor of Poker, because of its rules and tactics. Pochen in Goethe language or Poque in Moliere language is inspired by as nas and two other games Bouillote and set. In the 18th century, in the hexagon, 4 colours of the cards were created spade, heart, diamonds and clubs.

Introduction in the United States

Poque was brought to America thanks to the colonies which settled in New Orleans in 1682. When Louisiana was sold by napoleon Bonaparte to the United States for 80 million francs the popularity of poker grew. During this period, it had only 4 players and used 25 cards. Boats sailing on the Mississippi made it easier for the game to spread on the west of America.

It became really popular among gold diggers. In 1848, the game of 52 cards became standard. In addition the hand, flush started during this time.

Spread of poker during the war of succession

In the mid 19th century poker acquired its present form. The war of succession (1861-1865) played a vital role in its development. In fact, the northern soldiers discovered and embraced this game as they gradually travelled to the southern states, so it quickly became the favourite game of soldiers on both sides. Therefore several variants were invented. Five-card stud, draw or closed poker and also straight date from this period. At the end of the civil war, poker was the most popular game in the United States.

The spread of poker around the world

During the second half of the 19th century, poker was introduced to Europe, the draw variant. In the early 20th century it was known as French poker. Then the American military introduced it to the territories they were in during their missions Poker is actually one of the most played card game in the world.

The development of the most famous poker variations

At the beginning of the 20th century, the most popular variant was the closed poker the famous hold’em was only invented 20 years later in Dallas, it was called Texas hold’em. Omaha emerged in the 1980s. It was also during this time that betting limits were introduced by American casinos. Before this it was played in the variant no limit.

Online poker

Although poker has been played for 200 years, online poker only started recently. Other gambling games were launched before the first virtual poker room dating from 1998. Since a couple of years the game is available online. Moreover many fans discovered it on the internet you can play it whenever you want and anywhere you want without any constraints.