Saturday, July 12, 2008

Poker Goes Way Back

By Mr. Casino Bonus

Poker has been played for centuries. It is claimed to be the oldest game that has lasted through the ages. It has evolved and will remain for centuries more.

Poker has three origins that each have a claim. The sources most historians allege were the basis of modern day poker are the Persian game of as nas, German pochspiel, and French poque. Poker's name derives from the French word poque which means to bluff.

The origins of the game have been debated for years. No one will ever know exactly from where poker came. However, there is no argument that it is an exciting and fun game to play.

In the United States, poker became popular during the Revolutionary War. The version of stud that used only three cards was the game of choice for soldiers. The five-card version became useful distraction during the Civil War.

Dealt the entire amount of a 20-card deck, five-card poker began as a game for four people. The lower cards of a normal 52-card deck were eliminated in this version. Out of the four players the object was to bet on the person with the best hand.

Once the game incorporated all of the cards in a 52-card deck, popularity grew for the game, which had become more complex. With the lower cards included the possibilities became larger. This popularity brought the game to the forefront rather than just something to pass the time.

Historians also believe that poker became a gambling game in New Orleans during the 1800's expansion. It was next found on the riverboats traveling up and down the Mississippi. Riverboats can still be found with poker as a main attraction.

It is believed that the settlers and gold rush miners brought poker to the west coast in this theory of the evolution of American poker. Offering various versions of poker and its derivatives saloons and casinos were built throughout the west. These movements helped establish poker as an all-American pastime.

In modern days, seven-card stud is the most popular version of poker played. It has become famous by Las Vegas casinos. Tournaments and tables have been specially made for the seven-card game called Texas Hold'em.

Still played today in many casinos and online, the many different versions developed through the years. The three card version is the only type that did not make it through evolution. It is lost in the past now.

Poker is probably the most exciting of the many things that have lasted throughout time. Its durability and addictiveness proves the longevity of the game thus far. Poker will be around forever while some things may wane with time.

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