Clearly, individuals have enjoyed the game of poker for centuries because of the chance and deceptive schemes used to achieve awards or monetary gain. The different types of poker we play today have evolved over time from many various games involving the basic principles of ranked cards.

Undoubtedly, the great game of poker was developed over time and across regions to become what it is today. The first of evidence of a game similar to poker emerged in the late 900’s in China. Historical records show that the Emperor Mutsung played “domino cards” on New Year’s Eve. In addition, betting games grew in popularity in the 12th century when Egyptians used a form of playing cards or “treasure cards” consisting of a deck of 96 ivory and wood cards. Following this development, poker infiltrated Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries with a game called “Poque” or “Pochen”. These games became the first evidence of modern poker because the games consisted of three cards being dealt to each player, and bluffing was used to deceive opponents concerning the quality of the hand.

Poque dates back to 1526 and is referred to as “poker’s mother”. Overall, the development of poker would eventually embark with the French colonials to the New World. Poque eventually became the national card game of France and was widely played across Canada and especially in the French establishment called New Orleans. The game eventually spread up the Mississippi River and was referred to as “the cheating game” by Jonathan Green in 1834. Eventually, a game was adapted called 3-card monte, and it was determined to be a more honest and challenging game.

As United States history progressed, it became commonplace for a poker table to be present in nearly every saloon of the Wild West. Since that time, poker has evolved greatly throughout America with many variations now being played. For example, 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud, and Texas Hold’em are the most common games that have recently dominated the poker scene. 5 Card draw was the earliest variation in American History as it was player during the Civil War. Consequently, 7 Card Stud rose to the helm during World War II and stayed in Las Vegas Casinos for nearly 40 years.

Lately, Texas Hold’em has been the poker game of choice because it is featured in The World Series of Poker. Each year, The World Series of Poker airs on ESPN, and players compete for huge sums of money. Overall, poker will most likely continue to gain popularity, and it will be here to stay.


By Dave Saltonstall
Play poker with betfred.com/poker