History of poker
Poker is one of the most popular card games. It has existed for many years and has now become a real serious sports discipline. Large poker tournaments are constantly held, in which the best players fight for a large prize pool. However, many are interested in how the game went this way: when it appeared and to whom it owes its creation. There are several versions of this.
The emergence of poker in Europe
For the first time about poker in Europe became known in the 16th century. According to the main version, this is where the game was invented. She was especially popular with Italians and Spaniards. However, at that time, poker was somewhat different from the modern version. Then it had different rules:
- Players received three cards in their hands.
- In those days, the names of the combinations did not exist. However, it was possible to collect a conditional straight or flush.
- Bets passed only in one round. After that, everyone opened their cards.
In England, its own version of poker appeared only in the 18th century. According to the rules, here the players immediately received five cards in their hands and made combinations from them. Although the British believe that they invented poker, this version is doubtful. But it is known for sure that in the UK they began to use a bluff to win.
The emergence of poker in Asia
All those who are interested in the history of the origin of poker know that there is a version of the appearance of the game in Asia as early as the 10th century. It is believed that the Chinese emperor loved to play poker. At that time, cards were made of ivory and were very expensive.
The Asian version of poker differed in some features:
- 5 people could sit at the table.
- The deck consisted of 25 cards.
- There were five suits in the deck.
The version that poker was invented in Asia is a priority.
The emergence of poker in America
There is practically no doubt that French sailors brought the game to America. Poker first appeared in Louisiana, and from there it spread throughout the United States. It is known for sure that it was here that the game received the rules that are used in it now.
Some experts claim that the game was invented by Jonathan Green. As confirmation of their theory, they cite his letters. In them, Green describes the rules and features of the game. However, on the first reading, it becomes clear that he simply witnessed how others played poker. There is no other evidence of his authorship.
How did poker get popular?
If everything is rather complicated with the options for the origin of poker, then with its distribution everything is relatively clear. The game initially became especially popular in America, and only then it began to be massively played in Europe and other continents. However, the peak of poker’s popularity came in the period after the First World War. It was this time that is considered the beginning of the spread of the game as a serious gambling entertainment.
And the most popular poker tournament appeared only in 1970. The World Series of Poker – WSOP brings together the best players who fight for a serious prize pool. There are other tournaments, but this one is considered the most significant.
What does the word “poker” mean?
Everything is also unclear here, as with the history of the origin of the game. There are several variations on what the word “poker” means:
- The word comes from the German pochispiel, but this version is the least real.
- Poker owes its name to the French word poque. That was the name of the game with similar rules.
- There is a version about the English meaning of the word. Poker comes from the word poket – a pocket. This option is due to the fact that the game was given the name cheaters and robbers.
Of course, now it is difficult to say who, where and when invented poker. Many facts are simply lost and are unlikely to ever be known. But it is clear that now poker is very popular. Tournaments are regularly held, you can play in online casinos, poker schools open, and some even make the game their main job.