Everything Everywhere Daily The History of Poker: From Ancient Games to Modern Tournaments
Feb 16, 2025
Explore the thrilling journey of poker from casual games in the Old West to today's high-stakes tournaments. Delve into the evolution of poker, revealing its ancient roots and how bluffing became an essential strategy. Discover the rise of Texas Hold'em, its mechanics, and the pivotal moments that catapulted it to fame. Uncover the explosion of poker's popularity in the 21st century, fueled by online platforms and the famous Moneymaker effect that transformed the game into a global phenomenon.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Poker's Ancient Roots
- Poker's origins trace back to various older card games, including the Persian game Asnas.
- Asnas, played with unique cards and involving bluffing and betting, shares similarities with poker.
French Connection: Poqué
- The French game Poqué, a closer relative to poker, involved betting, bluffing, and hand rankings.
- French settlers brought Poqué to Louisiana, where it evolved and spread through gambling saloons.
Riverboat Poker
- Joseph Crowell documented a 20-card version of poker in New Orleans in 1829.
- The game spread via Mississippi River steamboats, becoming "poker."
