The History Of Texas Holdem Poker
Texas Holdem is a variety of Poker, a card game which originated
in the 19th century. The origins of Poker are still disputed to
this day, with a number of conflicting accounts about where it
came from, and who first played it; similar games exist back to
the Renaissance period. The word 'Poker' actually comes from the
German word 'pochen', which means "to knock".
However, most accounts generally agree that it was French
settlers who first played Poker in New Orleans around 1830. It
may have been introduced to them by Persian traders, as it bears
strong similarities with the 16th century Persian card game As
Nas. The popularity of Poker meant that it quickly spread
throughout the USA, along the transport routes of rivers and
railroads. It became especially popular when played amongst
cowboys in the Old West.
Texas Holdem, or Hold'em as it is also known, is today one of
the most popular versions of Poker in the world. Although nobody
is really sure where this version was first played, it seems
clear that Texas was the state of origin! Some reports say that
the first ever game was played in Robstown in the 1900s and it
spread to Dallas in 1925. Texas Holdem has enjoyed widespread
recognition ever since.
The popularity of Texas Holdem was widely increased in 1970. In
this year, the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino was opened in Las
Vegas by Benny Binion. Binion decided to take over a small
invitational Poker tournament from Riverside Casino's Tom
Morehead. What as the name of the tournament? The World Series
of Poker and the game of choice was Texas Holdem.
Binion focused on the gambling element of the game by devising
the idea of rapidly increasing antes and blinds, so that a
winner could be produced within a relatively short space of
time. In 1972, 8 players took part in the World Series of Poker
tournament; thirty years later, the 8 had increased to 800! This
annual tournament is now recognised as the most important in the
world. In the last five years, the increasing popularity of
televised tournaments means that Texas Holdem has become a part
of mainstream television.
Additionally, through modern innovations in technology, Texas
Holdem Poker has branched off in new directions. Games can now
be played directly through the internet, or even on a cell
phone! The game's simplicity and huge entertainment value have
contributed to its popularity, which shows no sign of decrease.
Texas Holdem is clearly the most famous Poker game in the world.