Poker is one of the most popular card games in existence today. It has evolved since ancient times to become the most played game in the world today, and is even considered a sport. In fact, there are numerous television and internet programs that are dedicated to broadcasting the great poker tournaments that are held around the globe so that people can enjoy them as they enjoy watching a game of their favorite sport.
The history of poker is a long and culturally mixed one. It is estimated that the origin of the game dates back to about 1000 years ago and that its roots may derive from various ancient games. In this article we will review the origins and history of one of the best online casino real money games that exist today.
The origin of poker
The origin of poker is much older than it is believed, and there is not one, but several versions about it.
Some historians claim that the birth of poker is related to a card game played in Persia around the year 1000, called “As Nas”. This game used a deck of 25 cards of 5 different suits, whose fundamental combinations were two cards with the same number (pair), or three (three of a kind), or a three of a kind + a pair (full house) and four cards of the same number (poker). In fact, another similarity they shared is that, in “As Nas” the players also tried to deceive their opponents through simulation, putting on an impassive face (known today as “poker face”) during the game, so as not to reveal the cards they had been dealt.
This game became widespread in the East during the Middle Ages and was acquired by the soldiers of the crusades. It is believed that around the 15th century it was adopted in Italy, where a game called “Flusso” was played; and in France the “Brelán”.
At the beginning of the 16th century it was played in Italy, France and Spain under the name “Primiera”, “Prime” and “Primero”, respectively. In this game 3 cards were dealt to each player, and the luckiest hand was the trio, followed by the pair, and then by the “flus” (which were 3 cards of the same suit). By the end of the XVII century, this game already allowed the “bluff”, becoming an important part of the development of the game, and betting was also enabled. These modifications made the game a boom in Germany and England in the 1700s, where they named the game “Pochen” (bluffing).
Later, it is believed that the French developed another game modality very similar to this one, which they called “Poque”. This game was brought to New Orleans in 1803, since at that time it was the capital of the French colony of Louisiana. Thus, the English-speaking North Americans took the game, adopting the term “Poker” (derived from the name “Poque”).
Who invented poker as we know it today?
An American called Jonathan H. Green, in the year 1834, created the rules and norms of poker as we know it today. He named it “Poker” and it was considered a seating game.
Poker knew its golden age in the United States. It was played by snobs and high society people who traveled on steamships, amidst luxury and glamour. In a game they could win or lose a lot of money.
Poker became the American national game in 1850. And from then on, thanks to Queen Victoria of England’s fondness for the game, it began to be played in English courts and in countries related to the empire.
Since then, poker continued to evolve until it became one of the best online casino real money games and one of the most popular and requested.
Internet and the massive spread of poker
Not so long ago, those who wanted to play a poker game had to go to a casino, but thanks to the technological advances that exist today, that has changed. Nowadays, the gambling industry has expanded its territory, linking itself to the internet and enabling a world of online gambling, where casinos have gone from being physical to digital.
Since then, gamblers can access gambling games from any device, anytime, anywhere. Online poker is one of the most requested online casino games by players all over the world. In fact, worldwide poker tournaments are held in which large cash prizes are offered and in which players from different countries can participate.
