The History of Poker

The true history of poker is undoubtedly difficult to trace since there are variations and versions of poker that cannot be tied down to one specific person or event. Some think its history is not important but to some, it does matter.

It is believed that the name “poker” came from the French “poque” which actually came from the German “pochen,” but uncertainties remain.  Earlier games like Persian as nas (no one knows for certain), primero game during Renaissance, French brelan and English game brag could have possibly influenced and contributed to the development of the so called poker at present.

Some evidences reveal that in 1829, poker is being played in New Orleans but with a deck of twenty cards, with just 4 players betting on which player’s hand is the most valuable.  It is believed that the game was spread to other areas as well as to other counties through riverboats where gambling is the common pastime and contact with other people. 

During the American Civil War, it is believed that many changes and additions were made to the evolving game of poker in the ways of draw poker, stud poker and the straight.  According to poker historians, it was around 1875 when Americans further developed the wild card, lowball and split pot poker. The United States military is believed to be accountable for the spread of the poker to other countries, including Asia and for some of the divergence in the game.

The poker game has had a huge impact on games and gaming in both America and England. It also became part of both cultures with sayings like ace in the hole, blue chip, calling your bluff and more that are used in poker games and as analogies in life. 

It is easier to define milestones in the modern history of poker. It was in 1970 when the World Series of Poker started poker tournaments that gave rise to professional poker players and the first poker strategy books were written to help players who want to bring their game to a higher level. 

In recent years poker has become pretty popular again because of its availability on computers, online and even in cell phones. It became a spectator sport since special cameras permit audiences to see the hands of poker players without revealing them to other players. Nowadays, poker is televised and watched by its leagues of followers all over the world.

The World Series of Poker has spawned remarkable players. World Poker tour and Celebrity Poker are watched weekly by many people thus poker is considered as a very profitable resource for cable and satellite distributors.

Not too long ago, because poker is played on ships and even on the battlefield, it is considered as a man’s game but presently, poker is now played in homes to bring more ties between family members. When playing poker, a child learns strategy. 

People all over the world play poker, some for entertainment while others play for a living. Poker’s history is may really be difficult to trace but it is easy to determine that it will stay with us in the forthcoming years.