Poker History

The History of Poker.

The game of Poker grew naturally from the European card games which were popular in early America. The game first appeared in the gaming saloons of 19th century New Orleans, USA.

From this major city on the Mississippi river, the game of Poker spread all along the Mississippi. Transported by river steam ship Poker made it's way all across America and became especially popular among service men.

The original version of Poker that was popular in the 1830s was played with a deck of only twenty cards which were dealt among four players.

As the game became more popular and as other innovations in the game were made, the poker deck was expanded to a fifty-two card deck.

The expansion of the deck allowed each Poker game to accommodate more players and allowed the poker players to draw new cards. The introduction of a card draw into the game of Poker transformed the game from a game of chance to a game of skill.

By the year 1900 many changes had taken place in the way Poker was played. In the earliest forms of poker the highest hands were four aces or four kings with an ace kicker. Flushes and straights were introduced to the game only after the Civil War.

Although Poker was a popular and widespread game no official set of rules appeared until 1904.

The game has continued to evolve over time. Players can now play variations such as Stud, Draw, and Texas Hold'em, which was introduced in 1919.

The newest variation allows players to use communal cards which are dealt face up. The players must then craft the best hand they can out of a combination of the cards that they hold and those that are on the table.

As Poker grew and became more popular and more standardized prestigious Poker tournaments began to emerge; cumulating in the World Series of Poker which began in 1970.

In the last few decades poker has become increasingly accepted as a game of skill. The game which began as an American pass time has since been exported to almost every country in the world.

Poker is defined as a vying game in which the players are dealt five cards. A vying game is any game in which the players bet on the outcomes of the game rather than playing it out straight. Although some games simulate poker hands it is not truly poker without the element of betting.

Because poker is a game which incorporates secrecy and bluffing it is possible for the winning player not to posses the strongest hand.

In the game of Poker, players are dealt five cards (in some variations they may exchange their cards).

The players then place bets into a common pot which is won by the player who has either the strongest hand or the strongest bluff.

The game of Poker relies as much on observation and skill as it does on luck. Players watch each other for tells (indications that they are bluffing) and evaluate each other's character. An astute player may be able to identify those players who have weak or strong cards.

The best Poker players are not those with the best card luck, they are those with the best knowledge of human nature.