The Grand History of Poker
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Gambling Casinos.
The Grand History of Poker
Poker has a rich, debated history and remains one of the most popular games today. While many enjoy playing, few know its origins. It’s believed that the name "poker" is derived from the French word "poque," which itself came from the German "pochen," meaning to knock. However, some historians are skeptical, suggesting different roots. One possibility is the Persian game "as nas," which resembles poker and may have been introduced to French settlers in New Orleans by Persian sailors. Another connection is with "primero," a Renaissance-era game, while the English game "brag" incorporated bluffing, a key poker strategy.
The first documented mention of poker in the U.S. comes from Joseph Corwell, an English actor, who noted that in 1829, a version using a 20-card deck was played in New Orleans. The game spread across America via Mississippi riverboats, where gambling thrived.
As poker evolved, it adopted the 52-card English deck, leading to the addition of the flush. The Civil War period saw the introduction of draw poker, stud poker, and the straight. By 1875, the wild card appeared in America, followed by lowball and split-pot poker around 1900. The U.S. military helped spread poker globally, reaching even Asian countries.
Poker tournaments gained popularity after the World Series of Poker started in Las Vegas in 1970, making tournaments a staple in American casinos. The 1970s also saw the publication of influential strategy books like "Super System" by Doyle Brunson and "The Book of Tells" by Mike Caro.
Poker’s popularity surged in recent years for two main reasons. First, the advent of online poker opened access to millions worldwide. Second, the introduction of the hole-card camera transformed poker into a spectator sport. Television coverage, especially on ESPN’s World Series of Poker, has dramatically increased participation and viewership.
From its uncertain beginnings to its current global popularity, poker's history is as intriguing and varied as the game itself.
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