Sunday, October 6, 2019
A Lesson in Texas Holdem History
A Lesson in Texas Holdem History
Texas Holdem and Poker:
Very few people know the stimulating history of Texas Holdem. While millions of players enjoy the game today, hardly any of them could tell you how it got started or how it grew into the giant industry it is today. The truth is, however, that to really understand the history of Texas Holdem, you have to understand the history of poker. Texas Holdem, you see, is merely a variation of poker that has taken on tremendous popularity in recent years. Poker has been around since the 19th century...depending on who you ask. Many historians argue about when, where, and how the game originated. Some people argue that it actually began with the similar games played in the Renaissance period, while others think it only truly began when the first game of poker as we know it today was played. Most people do believe, though, that the poker we play today was first introduced to French setters in 1830s New Orleans. Many think these settlers were introduced to it by Persian traders who would have been traveling among those routes. Persians played a very similar card game, known as "As Nas," which the French are believed to have changed and adapted to suit their desires. However, conflictingly enough, the name of the modern game suggests that it is German in origin, since it is similar to the German word "pochen," which means "to knock."
Texas Holdem is Born:
Just as the French settlers supposedly changed and altered the rules of As Nas to suit their wishes, players altered the rules of poker to create the beloved game of Texas Holdem. Just as with Poker, there are some disagreements about the true history of the game. One thing is for certain, though; it definitely got started in Texas. Some people believe that it was first played in Robstown in 1900, while others argue that it didn't show up until 1925 in Dallas. While the early roots of Texas Holdem aren't entirely clear, the story of how it grew to be so popular is very well known.
In 1970, something happened that would change Texas Holdem from a rare, little played game into one of the world's most popular ones. A man named Benny Binion opened the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. In order to promote his new casino, he took over a small invitational poker tournament from Tom Moorehead and his Riverside Casino. Binion, being a marketing genius, eventually turned this once small tournament into the legendary World Series of Poker. The game of choice for the new tournament was, of course, Texas Holdem. By 1972, it was all the rage in the gambling world, and things really haven't slowed down since.
Texas Holdem and Poker:
Very few people know the stimulating history of Texas Holdem. While millions of players enjoy the game today, hardly any of them could tell you how it got started or how it grew into the giant industry it is today. The truth is, however, that to really understand the history of Texas Holdem, you have to understand the history of poker. Texas Holdem, you see, is merely a variation of poker that has taken on tremendous popularity in recent years. Poker has been around since the 19th century...depending on who you ask. Many historians argue about when, where, and how the game originated. Some people argue that it actually began with the similar games played in the Renaissance period, while others think it only truly began when the first game of poker as we know it today was played. Most people do believe, though, that the poker we play today was first introduced to French setters in 1830s New Orleans. Many think these settlers were introduced to it by Persian traders who would have been traveling among those routes. Persians played a very similar card game, known as "As Nas," which the French are believed to have changed and adapted to suit their desires. However, conflictingly enough, the name of the modern game suggests that it is German in origin, since it is similar to the German word "pochen," which means "to knock."
Texas Holdem is Born:
Just as the French settlers supposedly changed and altered the rules of As Nas to suit their wishes, players altered the rules of poker to create the beloved game of Texas Holdem. Just as with Poker, there are some disagreements about the true history of the game. One thing is for certain, though; it definitely got started in Texas. Some people believe that it was first played in Robstown in 1900, while others argue that it didn't show up until 1925 in Dallas. While the early roots of Texas Holdem aren't entirely clear, the story of how it grew to be so popular is very well known.
In 1970, something happened that would change Texas Holdem from a rare, little played game into one of the world's most popular ones. A man named Benny Binion opened the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. In order to promote his new casino, he took over a small invitational poker tournament from Tom Moorehead and his Riverside Casino. Binion, being a marketing genius, eventually turned this once small tournament into the legendary World Series of Poker. The game of choice for the new tournament was, of course, Texas Holdem. By 1972, it was all the rage in the gambling world, and things really haven't slowed down since.
