The Evolution of Poker

Poker originated a long time ago but it gained popularity in the 20th Century. The game that is a topic of constant debate so as to who invented it, is played in various forms across the globe online and in casinos. In the last few decades, poker has gained momentum mainly due to the World Series of Poker. Let's see how the game of poker has evolved since its inception:

Origin of Poker

- The most popular belief is that poker first originated in the Sixteenth-Century in Persia from a game called As Nas. It is also believed that the game was taught to the French settlers in New Orleans by the Persians. The game was then similar to the modern-day five-card stud with 25 cards and 5 different suits. The latest view was that it originated somewhere alongside the bank of the Mississippi River, during the eighteenth century. This view seems to be somewhat true as, by the end of 1830, people across New Orleans started playing the game.

Development in Poker

- After the game was well-received in the West, poker players started playing with 52 cards instead of 20 cards used in the Mississippi. Between the years 1861 and 1865, games like stud poker, the straight, wild card, lowball and split-pot poker. The final development in this game of poker happened in the early twentieth century when the variant game of Texas Holdem was introduced.

Variations of the game

- Poker being the core game has variations to it like, the Texas Holdem, Omaha, Seven Card Stud and Five Card Draw to name a few.

The Current Poker Scenario

- From the time when the game was played just for fun with no bets, poker has come a long way. In today's world, Poker is considered as a sport, where the high rollers live life king size in literal terms. Today, there are major tournaments including the World Series of Poker happening all around the world. Now, people don't just play poker for fun, they play it for passion and earning a livelihood. With enough charm and returns on investment, poker has won the heart of millions.