Poker is one of the most popular card games around the world. It has been in existence for more than 1000 years and is gaining an increasing army of fans every year. The game that became the progenitor of poker is still a mystery. There are only a few theories and hypotheses.
The Ancient History of Poker
One of the legends claims that the main role in the emergence of poker was played by a special kind of domino, which appeared in China in the 10th century BC. At that time, the Chinese aristocracy had a popular game somewhat similar to poker. There are records in the archives of how Emperor Mu Tsung of the Liao Dynasty played with dice cards. The rules of the game are very similar to those used at the modern poker table.
According to another version, poker originated from the ancient Persian game “As Us.” It was played with a card deck, which consisted of 25 cards with one of five suits. Five people could take part in the game.
There are more modern versions of the origin of poker. There is an opinion that such European games as “Primero” and “La Prima” became its ancestor. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. The first was played by Italians and Spaniards, and the second was much loved by the French. The rules of the games were very simple and vaguely resembled poker. Each player received three cards in his hands, and then bidding rounds were held. The strongest combination won. Despite the simplicity and uncomplicity of the rules, the games were very popular.
In the 18th century, there was a new round in the history of gambling entertainment. In Germany, they began to play “Pohspiel,” in England – “Brag”, in France – “Pok”. These entertainments were much more like modern Jackpot Inside. Combinations were already being built from five cards, and among the aspects of the game, there was such a thing as bluffing. In different countries and regions, the rules and nuances of the layouts differed from each other, but in general, the essence of the game was as follows: after the distribution, several trading circles were held between the players. As a result, the strongest combination won. Another prototype of poker is the Indian game “Tiin Party”. Its rules are most similar to poker: 52 cards are used in the distribution, players place blind bets (blinds), and the gameplay involves several rounds of trading.
The term “poker” first appeared in the literature in the middle of the 19th century. Once upon a time, the navigator and writer Jonathan Green was crossing the Mississippi River on a ship. There, he witnessed an unusual game played by sailors. They called their entertainment poker. There were 20 cards of four suits in the deck. Green was amazed by this game because bluffing often left the winner with the wrong combination. That is why, in his book, Jonathan called this entertainment a game of deceivers.
How did poker become popular?
Many people wonder when modern poker appeared and from what period it began to gain popularity. The game began to gain popularity in America and gradually spread throughout Europe. In the 19th century, almost all European countries already knew the rules of the game, which still apply today. However, at that time, poker did not have such massive popularity, and the game was not taken seriously. It was only after the First World War that a major “wave” of poker popularization began, everyone began to study the rules in detail and treat the game as a sport.
Poker in our time
The modern history of poker began during the period when the French colonization of America took place (16th-18th centuries). It was here that the game gained such popularity that even children played it. It is impossible to imagine a saloon at that time that did not have a poker table. Even some presidents had a weakness for this gambling entertainment.
In European countries, the emergence of poker dates back to 1870. During this period, the Ambassador of the United States of America arrived in Great Britain and presented to the royal court a completely new entertainment for those places, with which the aristocracy was completely delighted.
Over time, the game only gained popularity among players of different ages. And with the advent of the casino, its position has strengthened even more. Now, this game can be found in different variations in online casinos such as Jack’s Casino. With a minimum deposit, you can play different types of poker right at home, which is good news. Today, there are about 20 types of poker. Each type of game is interesting in its own way and has millions of fans and connoisseurs around the world.
