The History of Poker
By Claire Bowes

The French game, Poque and the German game Pochen, which became immensely popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as well as the Spanish game Primero during the 16th century was supposed to also influenced the poker game. These games utilized bluffing and the same dealing of cards. In fact, Primero is actually referred to as the mother of the modern poker.

The Poker game purportedly started in the early periods of the 19th century in New Orleans, a former French Territory before being placed under the jurisdiction of the United States by virtue of the Louisiana Purchase. History traces its roots from the floating saloons in Mississippi. As early as 1843, there are already references made to poker in books and journals that were published.

Unlike the modern version of poker which makes use of a 52-deck of cards, early poker makes use of a 20-card deck. The top hand combination were four aces or four kings with an ace. The 52-card deck were however used in mid-1830s because it can accommodate more players with far longer betting rounds.

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