Historical Origins of Poker

Poker is probably the most popular casino game, not only among casino players but even among non-players. Almost every person in this planet has heard of the game poker. And enthusiasts of this casino game strive to know more about poker. One burning question in their minds is this: How did poker started? Any poker player would have been interested and fascinated about how their favorite game was created.

Unfortunately, such a question about poker remains a figurative 64-million-dollar-question. There are several theories that attempt to explain the origins of poker. And here are some of them.

The Chinese Origin Theory

Several historians believe that the game of poker originated from China. They stated that the ancient Chinese has a game called dominoes, which became popular around 900 A.D. From such an ancient game, the present casino game of poker evolved. But how this ancient Chinese game reached the Western world is still vaguely explained.

Still, many poker players liked the idea that this popular casino game has ancient roots from no less than a country that existed for thousands of years.

The French Origin Theory

Another group of historians explained that the game of poker came from France. This country, during the late Middle Ages has a card game which is called “poque”. Such a card game was revised and evolved until it resembles the present poker game. Many poker players tend to believe this theory because of the name of the French card game, “poque”.

The Persian Origin Theory

Still another group of historians believe that poker is an evolved form of a game from Persia. This game is called “As Nas”. As Nas is a popular game that utilizes 25 cards. According to historians, Persia is a region in the East that flourished along with the ancient civilizations, but now, this kingdom no longer exists.

Yet, one of its popular games, the As Nas, escaped oblivion because it was passed along by Persian sailors to the French settlers in New Orleans. When the French learned As Nas, they created variations to it and called the new game as “poque”. And then, this game eventually became poker.

This third theory may be viewed as a longer version of the second theory. But the proponents of this third theory give more details than the earlier two theories.

Today, however, not one of the three theories has been chosen to be the official version that will answer the question of poker’s origins. Perhaps the origin of poker is simply a fascinating subject but not vital to playing the game. And perhaps, poker’s origins will remain obscure. This obscurity adds to the allure of this challenging and exciting casino game.