This card game has been played for several hundred years. However, no one knows exactly how poker came to be. There are only a few unproven theories about its origins.
European history
Some scholars agree that Europe is the very birthplace of poker. It was first mentioned here in the middle of the 16th century. At first it was a popular game in Spain and Italy. In these countries, poker was called “primero”. It differed in the rules:
- players were dealt three cards each;
- There were no poker combinations – to collect the cards, guided by their suit or height;
- Cards were dealt after one round of betting.
In England, an analogue of the poker game appeared in the 18th century. To collect combinations, 5 cards were handed out. During the game the English were actively bluffing. They believe that poker originated in their homeland.
Asian history
There is a version that back in the tenth century, poker was invented on the territory of Asian countries. It was played with ivory cards. Poker is mentioned in the historical chronicle of Shang Tsung. Some scholars believe that it was this warlord who invented the game.
In the 10th century, poker was distinguished by:
- the use of only 25 cards;
- the number of players, of which there were no more than 5;
- five suits.
Most researchers believe that China is the birthplace of poker.
American History
It is believed that poker originated on the North American continent thanks to French immigrants. The first tournaments were held in Louisiana. Here they played a game which was most similar to modern poker. On the American continent, 52 cards began to be used in 1834. Thanks to sailors with a passion for poker, the game became known in every city in the country.
Some historians believe that poker was invented by Jonathan Green. He often talked about the game and its rules in letters. After analyzing them, many have concluded that Jonathan only observed other sailors having fun at poker. This is not proof of his authorship.
History of the development of poker’s popularity
The popularisation of the card game started on the North American continent. Only later it became known on the territory of Europe. Since the XIX century it was already known in every European country. At that time, poker was not yet as popular as it is today. It became common after World War I.
Texas Hold’em is one of the best known forms of poker. It was invented in Texas. Then it was played in every casino in Las Vegas, which now houses a huge number of poker clubs. However, originally poker was only played by a limited circle of friends.
The WSOP is the biggest but not the only poker tournament. It was first held in 1970. It is a tournament that all poker players dream of attending. The tournament brings together the best poker players from all over the planet. Their goal is to prove themselves and win an impressive grand prize.
Poker’s author
A huge number of poker players think the game was invented by Doyle Brunson. He doesn’t admit to being the author himself, however. Despite this, he’s still regarded as a legend. After all, Doyle achieved astonishing results in the game, because he spent all his free time on it. It became his life.
The meaning of the term ‘poker’
Researchers don’t know exactly how the term ‘poker’ came to be. It is translated from English as poker. However, there is also the word pocket in the language. It means pocket. Because of this, it is believed that thieves and crooks invented the name.
Some of the researchers think that poker was originally called pochspiel. Another theory is that it is based on the French word poque.