Poker has been around since the early 17th century, but it gained immense popularity in the United States during the big poker boom of the 1960s. It is still one of the most popular card games to play. Moreover, it is played extensively on the Internet by millions of fans worldwide who share their joy or frustration with winning or losing a game along with odds’ considerations and other interesting comments, many times via social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. As a result, Poker has spread worldwide, and today many people consider it their favorite pastime. Some people even rely on it as their source of income!
Here is a brief history of Poker and some lip-smacking facts that will further arouse your interest in playing this interesting game of cards.
Know About The History of Poker
While rumor has it that Poker originated in North America during the Depression, many players believe that Poker has been around since the 19th century when the French settlers started this exciting game of cards to pass their time and socialize with their peers. From being a pass time to a game of bluffing your way to victory, Poker has been known as “Pogues.” The game spread like wildfire from New Orleans and gained extreme popularity among the soldiers during the Civil War, and the rest is history.
Some Interesting Poker Facts To Quench Your Thirst
You might be an avid Poker player, but here are some of the interesting Poker facts to add to your knowledge:
You Can’t Get Enough
Poker is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and interesting games that one can play for hours without getting bored. However, you will be surprised to know that the longest Poker game was organized in The Bird Cage Theater in Arizona in 1881. The game lasted for 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days. Longer than you might have thought, eh? The game was played by well-known personalities like Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Diamond Jim Brady, and the minimum buy-in in the game was $1000.
Streaming Poker On The Idiot Box!
Poker had been a source of interest in most James Bond movies. However, before it’s cameo appearance with the superstar, Poker had its show that had taken the world through surprise and excitement. The journey of Poker from the great depression period to being a superstar and telecasted on the idiot box is of great interest for many Poker players. In 1973, the World Series of Poker was televised for the first time! The broadcast took Poker into the spotlight and helped it become popular among people worldwide.
Poker with 20 Cards?
Poker players would be surprised to see that Poker could play 20 cards. Well, the old format of Poker did not include a deck of 52 cards, but it was played with mere 20 cards. This is one of the most interesting and surprising facts about Poker that there was a time when it wasn’t played with 52 cards. Rumor has it that Poker used to be an 80-card game – 4 players used to play with 20 cards each, and the person who had the highest-ranked hand from his deck would automatically take down that round! This shows how things can change as innovations are introduced into this wonderful game.
Secret Of The Legend
Poker player Johnny Chan used to carry an orange around with him during poker games. Back in the day, smoking was still acceptable indoors, and the smoke began to wear on him. So to avoid getting a chronic sinus infection or migraines, he’d occasionally sniff an orange when the smoke got to be too much to take. Well, you might think the orange was a lucky charm for the legend. Well, the possibilities are endless!
Everything At Stake
While Yudhisthira’s indecent staking of Draupadi after being lured by Uncle Shakuni in the Mahabharata, people have condemned the act of staking one’s wife at any game. However, another player had staked his wife in the game and lost her! One poker player, Andrei Karpov, used his wife as a stake in a losing poker game. Not only did he lose the last round, but he was also left heartbroken when his opponent went home with his prized possession.
Can You Play Poker in Texas?
It’s true; many people believe they could play Texas Hold ’em if they are in Texas. But can you? Well, that’s not entirely possible. It’s funny how many lores are there around Poker and how interesting and intriguing it seems to most players. Moreover, playing Poker is illegal in Texas; therefore, if you are a beginner, keep your eyes and ears open and don’t believe everything you hear about your favorite game.
Namesake
“Poker Alice” Ivers of Virginia was one of the first women to play Poker successfully. Nowadays, more women are getting involved in the game and becoming ticket holders. It is no longer uncommon for women to walk past the popular red velvet curtains and sit down at a poker table behind them.
Wild Card
Several people engineered the game’s structure in its current state throughout the years and with different types of additions, including the wild card, which was introduced in 1875 to provide diversity within an already complex game.
Catch The Convict
The Angola Prison Rodeo hosts an event called “The Convict Poker,” in which convicts sit down at a table to play Poker – and a deadly bull is released to scare off the anticipating inmates. The winner remains seated while the other players are eliminated through various means – until the final man left standing is declared the winner. This game was started in 1964 and still takes place today every April and October.
Final Words
According to the World Series of Poker, 100 million people are playing Poker online. With billions of dollars wagered every day, it’s no wonder why Poker has been such a popular game for thousands of years. In 2016 (the most recent year data is available), almost 6.5 million people gambled at home or played live in casinos, while another 60 million gambled on their mobile phones through an app! Poker is a fun game that brings people together and lets them occasionally win money.
