About poker – Get your poker knowledge from here

The ability to play poker online has introduced millions of people to the game, including those who might not have otherwise ever given it a chance. The accessibility and anonymity that online play provides, has resulted in many persons who wouldn’t typically fit the poker player profile, taking it up, for example, more women play online poker then offline.

The game of poker is believed to have evolved over numerous centuries, not from a single game but from several. Bluffing and playing cards, both critical components of poker today, were borrowed from ancient games played by the Chinese, Egyptians, Spanish, French and Germans. Slowly, over time, the game would eventually take on the form that it does today. The ancient game that is considered most like modern poker is Primero. Often referred to as the ‘mother of poker,” this Spanish game was first played in 1526. The game would make its way from Europe by way of the French to North America, specifically Canada in the 18th century. The game would be introduced to the residents of New Orleans, Louisiana courtesy of French settlers as well. From Louisiana, it would make its way throughout America, often played on the riverboats which routinely traveled up and down the Mississippi as well as in parlors across the country. The addition of the joker in the late 1800s helped to Americanize the game.

Today, poker is played all over the world. There are many variations and sub-variations of the game with more seemingly added all of the time. Some of the most popular forms of the game include 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud, Omaha, Texas Hold’em, H.O.R.S.E. and Caribbean Stud.

Until “Texas Hold’em mania,” took over the world, Five Card Draw was the most popular form of poker and had been for nearly one hundred years. Later, 7 Card Stud would become the predominate form of the game and then Texas Hold’em. Five Card Draw poker was one of the first to be legalized in the state of California. Because it would eventually be considered a game of skill, it became legal to play. Conversely, stud poker games were not granted legality because they were deemed to be games of chance. The frenzy over 5 Card Draw would eventually die down and Seven Card Stud would takes its place.

Today, Texas Hold’em holds that distinction. It is now the most well-known and often played poker game. Nearly 40 years ago, in the 1970s, it was just a little known game played at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). What it has morphed into has been quite impressive. Today, when poker games are televised, the participants are generally playing Texas Hold’em.

Hold’em is a great game. It’s easy to learn, a lot of fun, quite exciting and makes for good television.

There are numerous other types of poker games besides Hold’em, including H.O.R.S.E., RAZZ, Stud Poker, Draw Poker, Manila and Omaha amongst others. Poker has become legitimized in the last few decades. 30 or 40 years ago if someone would have mentioned that they were a professional poker player, they may have been laughed at and ridiculed. Today, it is a legitimate profession which has the potential to make individuals a lot of money. Earnings from tournaments, online ring games and sponsorships have made millionaires out of numerous poker professionals. While most players don’t make that much money, there are individuals making healthy sums simply by playing online and participating in local tournaments.

There are so many great resources online which makes it possible for almost anyone to develop a good working knowledge of the game. With many online casinos offering free play, it is possible for persons to apply what they learn in virtual game settings. As a result, individuals that are committed to learning the game are able to do so. Seemingly, each year, a newcomer will burst onto the scene that no one has ever heard of and go on to win major tournaments. This is partly because all of the tools necessary to be a great player are available online. Access to the game is unlimited and unrivaled when compared to times past.

Poker is an incredible game. With so many different types of poker, it is difficult to grow bored with it. Because there are there are so many variations, people are able to learn variations of the game whenever they have the inkling. Because it is impossible to “master” the game, it is continually a challenge. The ability to play long into ones golden years also makes poker a great investment in oneself, especially their social life. If a player becomes really good, the game might also positively impact their bank account.