Poker
Poker Explosion
In recent years poker has seen an explosion in popularity worldwide: televised tournaments, poker nights at local pubs, home games amongst friends, and playing online – it is almost impossible to escape the influence of the game. Ever pondered as to why the game has become so widespread and ubiquitous in recent years?
Early Origins
There are various theories as to the origins of poker. The forerunners of poker have been traced to numerous card games, including the sixteenth-century Persian ‘As Nas,’ the fifteenth-century French ‘Poque,’ the German ‘Pochspiel,’ and also the English game of ‘Bragg.’ Others believe that poker drew inspiration from various Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian games. Although poker clearly drew influence from these early modern card games, there is no distinct, single predecessor.
The Birth of Poker
The earliest recognisable form of poker is attributed to the arrival of French colonial settlers in New Orleans at the beginning of the nineteenth century, bringing with them the game of Poque. Here, a primitive form of poker was born, played with a mere 20 cards, consisting of 4 suits of A-K-Q-J-10. These were dealt amongst 4 players, with the following ranking hands: one pair, two pair, triplets, full, and four of a kind. There was only one betting round and no draws. This game, popularly referred to as the “Cheating Game,” was formally documented by Jonathan H. Green, who is first believed to have given it the name ‘poker.’
Developments
Meanwhile, by the 1830s, the game was being increasingly played in a 52 card form and was rapidly developing. Around 1850, the draw was added, along with another betting round, greatly enhancing the skill involved in the game. Five-card Stud developed during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and quickly became very popular.
The most significant change in poker’s history occurred at the beginning of the twentieth century, which saw the introduction of community cards (for example, the flop). The earliest known variant, ‘Wild Widow,’ involved a single community card being dealt face up before everyone received their final fifth card.
Gradually, newer variants of poker evolved, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Texas Hold’em, according to popular belief, was first played in Robstown, Texas, at the very beginning of the twentieth century. Omaha, on the other hand, gradually evolved during the 1970s, particularly in the South and Northwest; however, it did not gain significant status until it was introduced to Las Vegas in 1982.
The most modern phase of poker history can be marked from 1970. That year saw the first ever World Series of Poker hosted at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The WSOP swiftly became the most prestigious poker tournament and winning a coveted WSOP bracelet was and still is the most highly revered prize in the world of poker. Following the first No Limit Texas Hold’em Freezeout Main Event in 1971, Texas Hold’ em steadily gained infamy.
The Modern Poker Boom
The dramatic upsurge in popularity of poker in the last decade is best explained by two developments. Firstly the implementation of hole card cameras (first used in 1999) meant that poker became a spectator sport. Poker became much more exciting, since people finally knew what was really going on in a hand. This significant step opened up the game to a much wider audience.
The second crucial advancement in the poker boom was the winning of the 2003 WSOP Main Event by Chris Moneymaker. As an amateur poker player, Moneymaker won his $10,000 Main Event buy-in via an initial online qualifier for a mere $39. He then went on to win the tournament for $2.5 million, sending out a powerful message: anyone could win. One did not need thousands of dollars spare to have a shot at the most prestigious tournament in the world – a sum of less than $50 could potentially be turned into millions. Dubbed the ‘Moneymaker effect,’ the amateur’s win ensured the continuation of poker’s popularity and the spread of poker culture world-over.
The poker boom has especially affected Internet poker, which experienced a huge surge in popularity in the last few years. With games available for less than a dollar anytime, anywhere in the world, poker has become available to all. Anyone with an internet connection – regardless of their financial status – can enjoy the game of poker. Technology has truly enabled poker to become a worldwide phenomenon, and best explains why poker has become so prevalent and widespread in the last several years.
Whilst it may not be possible to pinpoint the game’s older origins, its various ancestors have been identified. What is certain is that poker has come a long way since its humble beginnings in New Orleans. Texas Hold’em is incredibly different to very early forms of poker; however, its path of evolution is clear: firstly, the adoption of the 52 card deck during the 1830s; secondly, the addition of draws and the increase in betting rounds from the 1850s; and finally, the inclusion of community cards from 1900. It was the modern poker boom that helped the game spread into the mainstream and – through the Internet – become available to all. Ultimately, these developments made poker the fun, exciting, popular game that it is today.
Poker Today
Poker has come a long way from the days of the wild west. Some say the poker boom is over but perhaps it’s really just starting. One thing is for sure and that is that poker is online to stay. If you enjoy a card game or two you should continue on reading about rakeback and learn how this game of skill has evolved to reward players.