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Poker and its many variants has been played for over three centuries. It is known to be the oldest game that has lasted with very little change. Throughout time, it has evolved and possibly 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 three centuries. Even though it has been traced back to the 1700’s, no one will ever know exactly the truth. However, there is no doubt that poker is one of the most fun and exciting games around.

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.

Five-card poker began as a game for four people who were dealt the entire amount of a 20-card deck. This version eliminated the lower cards of a normal 52-card deck. The object of this game was to bet on who would have the best hand.

Once the game included all of the cards in a 52-card deck, the game became more complicated. With the lower cards involved, the game also gained more popularity. This popularity brought poker further than just a simple game between soldiers trying to forget where they were.

Poker got its start in New Orleans during the early 1800’s, it is also believed. Through riverboats then the game expanded up the Mississippi river. This is where riverboat casinos on the Mississippi got their start too.

It is believed that the gold miners brought poker through the west into California. As it traveled through the west, casinos and saloons picked it up as daily sport. This institutionalized poker as a “wild west” staple.

In modern days, seven-card stud was claimed to be a Texan game. This version has become exponentially popular in Las Vegas. This popularity carried the seven-card game called Texas Hold’em into the mainstream.

The many different versions, which developed through the years, are still played today in many casinos and online. The only exception to this is the first version of the game. The three-carded version of stud seems to have been lost in the past.

Of the many things that have tested the tribulations of time, poker is the most exciting. Due to its durability and addictiveness, poker has lasted thus far. While some things remain a fad that has faded, poker will last as it is for another couple of centuries.

Tags: Online Games

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