Poker is a fascinating game to play! There is always more to learn about it, regardless of how much you already know. One of the most interesting ways to gain a deeper understanding of poker, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, is to study the game’s history.
Even if you don’t find a nugget of information that will improve your personal game, you’re guaranteed enjoying the story. So, without further ado, here is the history of poker, from its beginnings to its possible future.
Where did everything begin?
The history of poker is a subject of heated debate. Some historians believe that it originated in China in the tenth century when a Chinese emperor enjoyed playing a domino-based game.
Others believe its origins can be traced back to the 16th century in Persia to a game called As Nas.
As these dates are so distant in the past, there is currently no evidence that could definitively support any claims.
We do know, however, that by the time the game arrived in Europe, regardless of where it originated, it had already begun to evolve into the game we know today.
European Origins
When the game arrived in Europe, it was known as Poque and was popular in 17th-century France. Its German counterpart was known as Pochen; both names are suspiciously similar to modern poker.
Both of these games were based on the Spanish game Primero from the previous century. This game (along with Poque and Pochen) dealt each player with three cards, similar to poker.
Players were required to wager and bluff based on the cards they were dealt with. However, poker was created in its final form in the United States, so how did it get there?
The Origin of Poker
During the French colonization of North America, the game of Poque was brought to the city that would become New Orleans.
The game quickly gained popularity among English-speaking settlers, who Anglicized the French word Poque to the English word poker.
The game evolved from a three-card game played with a smaller deck to the five-card version we are familiar with today played with a 52-card deck.
By the 1870s, the game had spread throughout the United States and had become fairly standardized. Due to the game’s popularity, it was brought back to Europe during a meeting between the Queen of England and the U.S. Minister.
Due to tournaments such as the World Series of Poker, poker has since grown to its current level of prominence.
Moving Online
Due to the invention of online gaming, it is now possible to play poker with opponents from different countries around the globe.
Since 1998, online poker has existed, but it took a good decade for it to gain popularity. Globally, playing poker online is arguably as popular as playing poker in person at present.
For instance, sites as Asiabet provide information on Asian poker sites so players can find a site that is available in their country and ensure they are receiving good deals.
Live Poker to Online Poker
Playing poker in different countries and languages makes the game accessible to everyone.
This is excellent news for those who reside in countries where poker has historically been more difficult to play or those who travel frequently and don’t want to miss out on their favorite game while away.
What Tomorrow Holds?
Berkat Poker is committed to ensuring everyone has access to all poker-related information.
This applies whether one is learning how to bluff or determining the future of poker. Of course, nobody can predict the future, but certain trends are already emerging that may shape the future of poker.
Undoubtedly, online poker is here to stay and will continue to grow. In recent years, the popularity of private rooms where friends can compete online has increased, allowing people to socialize with their friendship groups.
Some of these rooms feature webcams so players can easily detect bluffs and feel more connected to their opponents.
Virtual reality has tentatively entered the world of online poker. And because the gaming industry is so innovative, it will likely not be long before virtual reality poker setups appear.
