Poker History

The history of Poker may well go back to 900 AD China. Their invention of paper, around that time, allowed for the creation of the prototype card deck. As with many things of Chinese origin, card games seemed to travel from the Far East, through the Middle East, and on to Europe. However, there is little written evidence to make the bridge from there to here for Poker, itself.

Poker is a game of betting. There are numerous Poker variants, but they all include some form of bet be placed, money to match sticks. Thus, it is conjectured, Poker came down from Middle Age Germany, where they played a 5 card game called Pochspiel (poch is bet, spiel is game.) The French, in turn, picked up this game and called it Poque. After the French and Indian wars, the French who resettled from Canada to New Orleans brought a 5 card betting game with them.

References to a game played as Poker is played, up and down the Mississippi and as far west as the Rockies, were made as early as 1829. It was not to be found as an official game in American Hoyle, and in 1834, J.H. Green named a game referred to as the "cheating game", Poker. Poker is aggressive and fast; considered an American game.

Poker is now played in casinos, homes, and online all over the world.