A Brief History of Poker If you're new to poker, or are just interested in a bit of background, here is a brief history of the what's, where's and how's of the game. The What's... Poker's reputation has always been one of a cool and exciting game to play. It carries with it a degree of intrigue, as opinions remain divided over whether it is a game of skill, or one of chance. The truth is probably someone in the middle. The existence of professional players suggests that practise makes perfect, yet, like any form of gambling, luck can create winning situations for the most novice of players - a factor that makes poker accessible to all. Consequently, tournaments and tables are played amongst friends - and enemies - of all skill levels, both for fun, and for small and big stakes. Enthusiasm for poker has really taken off in recent years, and it is played in many different forms - from the tournament favourite Texas Hold-'Em to the original Stud formats. Its rise to become the world's most popular card game is in no small way down to the massive online presence that poker now has. Players from all over the world are taking a seat at virtual tables to pit their wits against each other. It is becoming increasing possible to play poker anytime, anywhere - and against anybody. Whether playing for fun or for a fortune - on the internet, at home, or at a casino - one thing is clear: poker's popularity looks set to continue. The Where's... So where on Earth did poker originate? Do we know who invented the game? Or why it was christened 'poker'? The infuriating yet simple answer is no! Finding an agreed upon theory has proved more difficult than landing a Royal Flush. But that hasn't stopped speculation and discussion on the subject… First of all, let's address the question of where Poker originated… There is no single universally accepted theory on the true birth of Poker. Different theories suggest its country of origin could be China - from as far back as 900 AD and the game of 'domino cards' that the Chinese Emperor Mutsung played. Other theories suggest India could have spawned poker - from a game called Ganjifa; England - from Bragg; Germany - from pochen (meaning to 'knock' or 'bluff'); or France - poque or pocke. Over time, poker as we know it today has probably developed worldwide through all of these incarnations. However, the most commonly believed theory is that poker was derived from Persia, from the game of As Nas. How is it like poker? Well, As Nas was played using 25 cards including 5 different suits. It was played in a similar way to modern 5 card stud, and significantly, hand rankings were used much as we know them today - such as 3 of a kind. Legend has it that Persian sailors took the game to New Orleans - which would make sense, as we know that poker spread through in the 1800s. If As Nas was the catalyst to poker, then it is feasible that when Westerners and Europeans began playing they developed it into the game of poker. Whats in a Name... The origins of the name of 'poker' are just as complicated as the origin of the game itself. Numerous theories have been dealt out - some feasible, some a little far fetched. As well as the obvious similarity of the German and French terms pochen, poque and pocke, another theory is that the word 'poker' derived from an underworld term used by pickpockets to 'poke'. The letter 'r' was allegedly added due to victims getting wise and suspecting foul play. So, crooks might have used the term to signal that they had scoped an intended victim - to steal their 'poke' or wager - during an ongoing card game. Another piece of speculation is that the word originates from the expression 'hocus-pocus,' commonly used by magicians (when they're not using 'abracadabra!'). The first known written reference to poker was made by Jonathan H Green in 1834 within his work entitled An Exposure of Arts & Miseries of Gambling. He was a gambler, and spoke of a game known as the 'cheating game,' which was then being played upon Mississippi riverboats. He began a career as a professional card player and became aware of the game of Poque. The game as Green described it was played with 20 cards using 10, J, Q, K and Ace. Each player was dealt five cards - which limited the number of players to four. This was deemed as a more legitimate game than the previously played game of 3-Card Monte and as a result became immensely popular. Interestingly, it seems that the riverboats that sailed upon the Mississippi in the early-to-mid 1800s played an important part in the development of poker. Around the time that Jonathon H Green was writing, gambling was falling out of favour across much of America, with gamblers being hounded out of many towns, and professional gamblers thought of as conmen and criminals. It seems that gambling onboard riverboats became a 'safe haven' for gamblers, and as a matter of practicality it was easier to play card games than to transport cumbersome equipment like roulette wheels onboard. Poker was one such card game that flourished. Gambling activities on the riverboats of Mississippi seem to have also played a fundamental factor in building the language of poker. Speculation is that the 'River card' was named such after the Mississippi. The reference came about because cheats would deal the last card of the community set that advanced their hand. Thus increasing the chance of winning. If they were unfortunate enough to be caught they were duly thrown in the river as a punishment. Hence, the last card was named the 'River card'! The Future Poker undoubtedly sits at the top of the deck as the most popular card game in the world right now, but what does the future hold? Well, poker is increasingly turning into a sport. Tournaments have been created worldwide, as well as a World Championship where players fight for the prestigious prize of being considered the best player in the world. The lifestyle of the top professionals is enviable, with schedules much akin to top sports stars. And with millions of pounds up for grabs at a range of large tournaments - many endorsed by high-profile bookmakers - some professional players are earning comparable sums to more famous sports stars. Indeed, the game of poker has come a long way from the days of being known as one played primarily by villains, cheats and outlaws. In the twenty-first century, poker is the game of choice for casual players and pros alike. Games are televised, online casinos are bustling with players of all ranges… and the very best players get to compete for million-dollar prize funds on board industry giant Party Poker's cruise ship - a far cry from the shady dealings on board riverboats in the 1800s! Helped by technological advances, as well as the surge of interest around the game, poker now attracts large television audiences. Under-the-table cameras give the spectator a unique opportunity to view the hole cards of each player Because the hole cards represent the tools used for betting and bluffing, this gives viewers a unique glimpse into the minds of the top players. This creates huge excitement for spectators when stakes are high, as they can watch the on-table action unfold and see how it plays in relation to the 'hidden' hole cards. Poker has also enjoyed several cameos on the big screen, with many a stylish scene being included within big-name movies - both reflecting and enhancing the reputation of poker as a desirable, high-thrills game. Films incorporating poker scenes include Oceans 11 (1960 & 2001), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), and Rounders (1998). Movies like these have helped promote the game and authenticate it in the public eye as the most highly thought of - and glamorous - card game in the world. And now you can add Casino Royale (2006) to this list !