The History of Poker

The Poker game - famous and infamous in gambling - has quite an interesting history, closely linked with the history of the Unites States. Poker grew with the rise of the United States, and many influences of the culture of the U.S. history can be seen in the many variations of the Poker game. Today there are so many variations of Poker and Internet Poker - not to mention video poker - that it is fast becoming the most popular casino game of our time.

Gambling, Cards and Early Poker

It is important, in understanding the history of Poker, to gain an understanding of historical influences that eventually led in the creation of the Poker game. Although there are many different rumors as to how Poker was created, there are a few influences that are certain. First came the creation of playing cards. The first playing cards were brought to Europe in the 14th century, from China, where it is believed they were created a century previous. Within a couple hundred years, trump cards had been created. It is seen during the 15th and 16th centuries that games involving betting on different card combinations and deception during play had already been invented.

Poker is a vying game (see How to Play Poker), which means that the players bet on their hand combinations, rather than playing all of the cards out (there are two methods to win, either the best hand wins the pot, or a player bluffs the others into folding, even though he does not necessarily have the best combination of cards in his hand). When it comes to the development of Poker, there are three main influences, one of which is questionable. The first, and questionable, influence is based on a Persian card game called As-nas. It is said that Persian sailors brought the game to the French traders (as well as French legionnaires who were posted in Persia) in Louisiana in the late 18th century, and from this game, the modern Poker game evolved. The reason that it is presumed to be the influence of Poker is based on the fact that the games are very similar. However, the is no proof that this is the case, as the first mentions of the game of As- nas were only made in the late 19th century and Poker had already been played for at least 50 years previous.

Poker and Brag

A second influence is brought from the British card game of Brag, which means to vie or bluff. It is believed that the game was brought to North America in the late 18th century by British immigrants to the New country as well as British officials and American visitors to England. This was a three card game that was widespread in the American South and in time moved to New England as well. Over a period of six year, between 1848- 1853, this game almost entirely disappeared, being completely incorporated into the game of Poker. An example of this incorporation can be seen in the draw feature of Poker. When the draw was incorporated into the Poker game, Brag lost popularity almost immediately. The draw feature was found to be much more fun and exciting in 5 card Poker than in the 3 card game of Brag.

Poker and Primero

The third and most important influence on the game of Poker was a game developed in Spain in the 16th century called Primero. This game is considered to be the mother of Poker, as it was the first card game that was confirmed to be in direct relation to Poker. The French and the Germans developed Primero into a game called Poque, or Pochen, respectively. The French colonialists then brought this game, which had been turner into their national pastime, to their new colony in Canada. When the French settled Louisiana, the game came with them.

Poker and the Mississippi Gambling Boats

Thanks to the Mississippi river boats, poker soon found its way up and down the Mississippi. The earliest Poker games were played with a 20 card deck that was evenly dealt to all of the players. By the 1830's, Poker was already in the stages of being played with a 52 card deck in order to allow more players into the game as well as to make the flush more possible (the flush being a new addition to the game). In time, as Poker began to spread throughout the United States, new and entertaining forms of the game were created reflecting the culture and atmosphere in which the game was played! An example of this is the exciting game of Texas Hold 'Em. This wild game, not surprisingly, was created in Texas with a pizzazz that can only be found in the Lone Star state!

Poker has had such a huge influence on people of all walks of life, that we even incorporate Poker terms into our everyday conversations without even being aware of it! Statements like, "taking the pot", "bluffing", and "upping the ante" are all derived from Poker!

Modern Poker and Internet Poker

By the late 20th century, Poker had spread to all corners of the Earth due to the easy access of Internet gaming in the Internet casino. However, the notoriety of the Poker game hit exciting new heights of popularity thanks to the well televised Poker tournaments that gain an International audience, which are made available through satellite television! Today Poker has become a household name all over America, and throughout the World!

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