History of Poker
While many people readily assume that Poker is an American game, the real origins of Poker are traced to games played in Persia and Europe.
Poker started in the Middle East and was then called "Nas". The Italians also had their Poker variation, called "Il Frusso". The Germans have a bluffing game similar to Poker which was played as early as the 16th century, called "Pochen".
A variant of the Poker game that started in France was brought to America through New Orleans and the boats of the Mississippi River. The game was called "Poque" and mispronunciation of the word gave birth to its present name - "Poker".
Poker has always been associated with America, due to various Hollywood productions that show Poker as a social game. Many western-produced movies have featured Poker either as a theme in movies where famous actors advocate Poker, and made it a card game for ordinary people. Images of cowboys playing at Poker tables coupled with gunfights have secured Poker in the culture of Americans.
Through the years, Poker variations emerged, giving Poker enthusiasts the likes of Omaha High, Seven-card Stud and Texas Hold'Em, among others. Texas Hold'Em is the most popular Poker variation to date. Texas Hold'Em is played in most Poker tournaments worldwide.
Recently, Poker has received respect that was denied it in the past. Poker is now a widely-known social game, adapted by many rich and famous people. Some publications have even made Poker instructional features, making Poker a worldwide phenomenon in a short period of time.
The development of the internet also advanced the evolution of Poker. The birth of Online Poker became a inevitable with vast improvements in computer software. Poker in an online casino is virtually the same as playing a live game.
The emergence of Online casinos also made Online Poker accessible for players to play for recreation. Online casinos offer countless possibilities for Online Poker players, making it the most famous card game in the virtual world.
Although Poker has remained, basically, the same as it was centuries back, the improvement brought about by new technology has cleaned Poker's image as the game played by gun-loving cowboys and/or gangsters.
Presently, Poker is enjoyed by many people around the world. To add to its fame, Poker is readily accessible in casinos and on the internet. Poker arguably has gained so much popularity through the years, and is embraced by many people as a social game, a sporting event, and a money-making venture.