Category: History

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There is nothing definitive about the origins of the game of poker.  Many experts believe the game has roots dating back 1000 years.  Historians are of the idea that a game played by a Chinese emperor in the 10^th-century is where poker originates. Others believe it is a card game that was performed by Persians called “As Nas” in the 16^th-century.  There is also a French card game called Poque from the 17^th-century that some consider the European origin of poker.Poque and the other card games from China and Persia have very few similarities to modern-day poker.  However, there are many aspects of the ancient games to modern poker that may hold these theories true.

Poque to poker

Poque was brought to North America by the French colonists.  The game spread with riverboat crews on the Mississippi River.  The card game quickly became popular and was played by soldiers during the civil war.  17and 18^th-Century poker was famous in Wild West saloons.  English-speaking people in the region over time changed Poque to poker.

How did the game change?

Poque was a card game that involved betting and bluffing.  The game only used 20 cards, from tens through to aces and included four players.  Through the years of playing, the card game morphed into modern-day poker.  No one knows how Poque went from 20 cards to poker’s 52 card game.  There is no documented history of when a Straight or Flush was introduced to the game.  The consensus is that it is a fun card game to play, and to up the stakes, Poque went through many changes to give us the Poker we have today.

Las Vegas Poker

Although Poker was a favourite card game among everyone, Nevada made gambling illegal in the early 1900’s.  Due to its popularity, authorities found it difficult to control the playing of Poker.  Poker was then made an exception as it was recognised as a game of skill.  On the flipside, Stud poker was still illegal as it was deemed a game of chance.

Once Las Vegas was established in the state of Nevada, all gambling games were allowed.  All forms of Poker could now be played in the casinos.  Since then, Poker has continually evolved and is now a card game enjoyed by millions.

The number of poker players continues to grow due to online casinos.  The internet has exposed the game to a bigger audience.  Poker has over the last few years been formalised into tournaments where players stand a chance to win vast sums of money.  The game has evolved so much that there are professional poker players who make a living just playing or teaching poker.

After the 70’s, poker has increased in popularity due to the first World Series of Poker.  That tournament gave rise to a new type of player – the professional.

Poque has come a long way from the 17^th-century card game in France.  Modern-day poker continues to change and evolve.  New types of poker games are played and adapted all the time.

There is more to Poker to than Texas Hold ‘Em. There are many different variations of the card game.  Each variant has its own set of rules and game patterns.

Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular form of the game card, but here are a few other variants that may interest you.

Omaha High

Omaha High, or more commonly called Omaha, involves the basics of most other Poker games.  The card values and rankings are the same as Texas Hold ‘Em and Seven Card Stud.  The rankings start with a straight flush as the highest hand and all the way down to the most senior card.

Omaha allows you to win more often and the advantages stretch to not needing a lot of money to play, and less variance than Texas Hold ‘Em.  This card game is the second leading Poker game played.

Seven Card Stud

Players are given seven cards in this variant of Poker.  However, the best of five cards determines who wins the hand.

Seven Card Stud is played with a limit on the betting increments.  Before Texas Hold ‘Em became popular, Seven Card Stud was the game of choice among professionals.  The usually Poker strategy is affected by this game as you can see the cards in your opponent’s possession.

Razz

This variant of Poker is very different in the fact that you aim to have the lowest hand as opposed the highest hand in other Poker games.  Razz is not the most popular of Poker variants, but it is excellent for any player looking for something different.  You can play this card game with two to eight players using a 52 card pack.

Five Card Draw

Five Card Draw is the simplest and easiest variant of Poker around.  Many players use this is variant of the card game as a learning platform to go to other games like Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha.  Five Card Draw is a lot more fun to play as it involves less strategy than other Poker games.  This game is also the most popular variant for online gaming and casinos.

Deuce to Seven Triple Draw

This Poker variant aims to have the lowest ranking hand – very similar to Razz.  The card game is played with a 52 card pack, and each player is given five cards.  It is a fast-paced, action-packed game and is not very popular among enthusiasts, but is a good option for someone looking for something different.  Deuce to Seven Triple Draw is very easy to learn and a great way to get into the Poker craze

Badugi

Badugi is a new variant of poker and is increasing in popularity.  Each player is given four cards and not five as in other forms of Poker.  This variant of Poke originates in Asia and is played on the draw poker basis, and the values are the same as low-ball Poker versions.

Poker has a game for everyone and every skill level.  From the beginner to the professional wanting to hone bluffing and strategic skills, Poker variants cater to all.  Poker has grown in popularity due to the money that can be made when playing and due to online access to the games.  You can decide to play casually or professionally. Find all of my new blog entries at We Love Poker UK.

Poker involves various card games which need the incorporation of craftsmanship, a game plan and lots of speculation. The game is believed to have so many origins. Some conceive it originated about a century ago. Other analysts accept that the footprints of the game can be traced to a domino-card match played by a tenth-century Chinese dictator.

The game was modified from three previous similar games which are Poque, Pochen and Primero. It became a favourite activity in Europe due to its use by the American soldiers during the First World War. Over the years, different games have evolved from poker; they include a seven-card stud, five card draw and the latest being Texas Hold’en. The last one was accepted in the World’s series of Poker, the game’s first yearly competition. Let us take a look at the renowned poker players of the 90s

DAN HARRINGTON

The American who nicknamed himself ‘Action Dan’ was born in Massachusetts in 1945. Known for wearing his iconic green Boston Red Sox cap, he has been involved in poker since his university days. This was at Suffolk where he was part of a team of students who estimated the odds in roulette. He also used them in making vast fortunes at the casinos.

The mathematical genius is known as a tight aggressive player whose passion for the game was driven by its financial rewards. He is just one of five players to have won at two main events.The first is a World Series Poker main event and a World Poker Tour event in 1995 and 2007 respectively. His live tournament winnings as at 2014 are estimated at $6,500,000.

DAVID SKLANSKY

The American doubles as a player and author of the game. He was born in New Jersey in 1953 and has written fourteen books. They all centred on blackjack, poker and gambling in general. He is a proud owner of three World Series of Poker bracelets. His live tournament earnings as at 2015 standing at about $1,400,000.

LYLE BERMAN

A father of four who was born in Minnesota in 1941. Berman co-founded Grand Casinos in 1990 with three World Series of Poker bracelets to his name. He’s currently the chairman of the board of World Poker Tour and Pokertek. The 76-year Old was inducted into the Poker hall of fame in 2002. He has won more than $2,500,000 from live tournament earnings. The book All-in reveals everything about Berman’s life.

HENRY ORENSTEIN

Orenstein’s role in the improvement cannot be downplayed. His invention of revealing player’s face-down card to the audience has made the game more interesting. He was the creator of favourite poker TV show called High Stakes Poker. This show existed in every year between 2006 to 2011 except 2008. The 95-year old is also the executive producer of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament.

His only bracelet came at the 1996 World Series of Poker where he won $5,000 in the seven-card stud category. The Pole was inducted into the Poker Hall of fame in 2008. He has earned more than $200,000 from live poker tournaments as at 2009.