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The
French Connection - Some contend the game originated
from the popular French game of Poque (1803).
Understandable, given the name. There are a few who
back the theory that poker was derived from the
German game of Pochen. Then there
are even others who believe it came from the English
game of Bragg. I'm sure they all exerted their
influence in one way or another on the modern game
of poker, but to get to the truth we must go back
even further in history.
The
Persian Principle - We don't know a lot about the
ancient Persian game of As Nas, other than it's
believed Persian sailors taught it to the French
settlers in New Orleans. Scholars are in general
agreement that it was the earliest form of the game
that we've all grown to know and love over the ages.
Poker
spread to the river towns along the Mississippi and
Ohio rivers via the riverboats. From the river towns the
railroad spread the game to the east while the wagon
trains introduced the game to the west.
To
help put everything into perspective we offer the following chronological
timeline of poker history:
1833
to 1837 - the modern 52-card poker deck replaced the
twenty-card deck.
1861
to 1865 - The Civil War saw the introduction of open
cards, which led to stud poker. The straight and the
draw also became popular.
1875
- The wild card was introduced. Also in the same
year the requirement of an ante and a pair of jacks
to open was beginning to gather a loyal following.
1900
to 1903 - At the turn of the century in America low
ball and split pot poker was started.
1909
- Bills were introduced to control and license poker
players.
1911
- It was ruled in California that draw poker was a
skill and therefore was beyond the current anti
gambling laws. Stud poker didn't fair as well
however and was therefore deemed to be illegal.
1914
to 1919 and 1939 to 1945 - During the war years
poker was very popular, and during that time went
through many changes.
1950's
and 1960's - Innovations such as extra draws and
minimum hands required to win were developed.
1972
- The book "The Advanced Concepts of
Poker" had become the best selling poker book
in history.
2000
and Beyond - Online poker has just begun to take
hold in the hearts and minds of the intrepid souls
who enjoy wagering a few dollars on a friendly game
of poker betting.
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