Poker: A History

The history of Poker is debatable some same that it began in the 15th century where as others would argue that it started in the 18th century in France and was a French game that was called Pogue. To date the game poker is believed to have been spawned from various card games. Historians would also argue that the game is of German origin, Pochspiel as it is believed to be called. The game had similar bluffing elements to it as well as the option for players to declare whether they wanted to pass or open, this is done by rapping or tapping on the table while players said: "Ich Poche!" Another dispute stems from the word pukka which is Hindu.

Black market and underworld dealings have also been said to have come from the slang "poke" or to pickpocket. A magical incantation such is the case with "Hocus Pocus" is another word or phrase that is believed by some to be the root of the term poker. It is however not impossible to argue such as both acts require a great deal of deception in order to succeed with the task at hand.

Poker is perhaps the most internationally disputed in terms of etymology and history. Even the Persians have an explanation related a game known to them as: "As Nas" a five player betting game, that requires a 25 pc deck of cards with five suits. The modern day poker can also find a lot of similarities to the 16th century gambling card game of Primero which was popular in Europe during that time. Brelan a French game with an English derivative called Brag also known as Bragg also incorporated the element of bluffing into the game, then again there are other games that involve bluffing.

1829 was the year that early references on the game of Poker were made by a certain English actor by the name of Joseph Cromwell. Written references of this card game being played around New Orleans were also made in a book by Jonathan H. Green. His book was entitled An Exposure of the Arts and Miseries of Gambling. The game according to Mr. Green was often played on riverboats and was called the "cheating game." It is in the person of Jonathan H. Green that many historians believed to have been the first to call the game "Poker."

It was said that earlier game plays involved 4 players and a 20 card deck wherein the players would bet on which hand had the most valuable cards. It was during the California Gold Rush when the 52 card deck was introduced, shortly after the term Flush and other additions were made during the Civil War. Stud Poker and Draw Poker and the Straight were the introductions made. The widespread of the game especially to Asian countries was said to have been brought about by the U.S. Military that had been deployed in these areas.

Incidentally Poker back in the 70's was not widely seen in casinos as it was extremely hard for the management to keep out cheaters. What were they expecting it's a game of cheats anyway?! In the 80's and 90's poker rooms were dismissed in favor of Roulette games and Blackjack instead. The enhancement of security as well as promotion tactics and tournaments left and right brought about re-interest in the game.



World Series Poker in the 70's made the game popular in American casinos. The first tournament had a total of 7 players, it was heavily promoted, one of its players Benny Binion happened to be the owner of Horseshoe casino where the tournament was held.

The number of World Series Poker participants grows more each year. To date nearly 6,000 participants join the tournament, with cash prizes that are a whopping $7.5 million for the first price and a total of $52 million in cash prizes. Thanks to the constant promotion as well as telecasts done by ESPN an authority in the latest in sports news a steady growth of poker enthusiasts enjoy playing poker whether it be in casinos or in online poker rooms. Thanks to all the promotional hard work and media attention, bluffing is now a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere in the world.

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