History Of Poker

Poker is derived from several European card games that have been played for hundreds of years. A Chinese domino game that is similar to poker is reported to have been played as far back as a thousand years ago (before 1000 AD).

However, poker was not played in its present form until sometime around the 1860's in America. At that time the flush, straight, and 52 card deck were in use and the game was played as it is now.

An early variation of the game of poker was played in 1820's New Orleans, and on riverboats that sailed from the city. During that time a 20 card deck that contained only tens, jacks, queens, kings, and aces was used. Two to four players would bet on who was dealt the best poker hand.

From Louisiana, the game gained popularity as it spread up the Mississippi River on riverboats and, with the gold rush, to the Western United States. By the time of the US Civil War (1861-1865) the game was played all over the country.

The US military is credited with introducing poker to the rest of the world. American soldiers, who played poker were stationed in various parts of the globe. They taught the game to other soldiers and local residents, who in turn, introduced the game to others.

A television show called The World Poker Tour was first broadcast in 2002. It spurred an interest in texas hold-em poker, and a host of copy-cat shows soon followed. Many poker players refine their skills online when not playing in casinos or playing house games.

There is also a new breed of poker player who only plays online games. While most people play for fun, some people (with enough skill and luck) have been able to make money or even earn a living strictly from playing online poker.

the joker was introduced about 1875
lowball was introduced around 1900
split pots were introduced around 1900
community cards were introduced in the early 1900's
texas hold'em was introduced in the early 1900's
world series of poker started in 1970
world poker tour (tv show) first aired in 2002