People have been playing poker since the 1700’s. It is claimed to be the oldest game that has not varied much over the years. It is believed that it will last for centuries more.

Poker has three origins that each have a claim. The sources most historians allege were the basis of modern day poker are the Persian game of as nas, German pochspiel, and French poque. Poker’s name derives from the French word poque which means to bluff.

The origins of the game have been debated for three centuries. Even though it has been traced back to the 1700’s, no one will ever know exactly the truth. However, there is no doubt that poker is one of the most fun and exciting games around.

Poker became popular during the Revolutionary War in the United States. The game of choice for soldiers was the version of stud that used only three cards. The five-card version of stud became a useful diversion during the Civil War.

A 20-card deck was dealt to four soldiers. The lower cards, 2 through 9 were eliminated for this version. The players bet on which one of them would have the better hand.

Once the game included all of the cards in a 52-card deck, the game became more complicated. With the lower cards involved, the game also gained more popularity. This popularity brought poker further than just a simple game between soldiers trying to forget where they were.

Historians also believe that poker became a gambling game in New Orleans during the 1800’s expansion. It was next found on the riverboats traveling up and down the Mississippi. Riverboats can still be found with poker as a main attraction.

It is believed that the settlers and gold rush miners brought poker to the west coast in this theory of the evolution of American poker. Offering various versions of poker and its derivatives saloons and casinos were built throughout the west. These movements helped establish poker as an all-American pastime.

Seven-card stud is the most popular version of poker played in modern days. Las Vegas casinos made it famous in recent years. Specially made for the seven-card game called Texas Hold’em, tournaments and tables have been put to good use.

The different versions can be found at any casino and online. The only version that didn’t make it into the pop culture of America is the original three-card version. This version seems to have stayed in the past.

Of the many things that have tested the tribulations of time, poker is the most exciting. Due to its durability and addictiveness, poker has lasted thus far. While some things remain a fad that has faded, poker will last as it is for another couple of centuries.