Poker’s Origins

Poker is a game with a truly rich history, thought to have developed over hundreds of years, with various different card games all over the world contributing to its nature. Nowadays people also play online video poker. All had two things in common – the premise of ranked card or domino combinations, some more valuable than others, and the use of bluffing to deceive your opponent. The history of poker is thought to span centuries, from the earliest ranked number games played in early civilizations through to its more evidenced development in Europe and its migration to America.

It’s widely believed that one of the first games with a similarity to poker was invented in China, some time before 969AD. The game of “domino cards” was reportedly played by the Emperor Mu-tsung himself, on the eve of New Year’s with his wife. Outside of Asia, the Egyptians ofthe 12th and 13th centuries are also thought to have had some form of playing cards with which to entertain themselves, although the exact nature of the game has not been determined.

In terms of actual betting, in 16th century Persia a popular card game was “Ganjifa” or “Treasure Cards”, a game which consisted of varied rounds and different hands of cards were ranked more highly than others, a feature most recognise in modern poker. The Ganjifa deck consisted of ninety six beautiful handmade cards, usually designs painted or drawn onto tiny slivers of ivory or good quality wood. The “As Nas” derivation was played by the Persians using twenty five cards.

The Spanish game of “Primero” is the first confirmed version of a card game that is directly related to the modern poker format. Dating back to 1526, Primero has been called “poker’s mother” due to the heavy influence it had on the development of the game we now know. Three cards were dealt to each player, and bluffing by pretending you had a higher hand that you did was an integral element. From Primero developed the familiar sounding “Poque” of France and “Pochen” of Germany, which rose to great popularity in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.