Origins of the game
Poker is America's best known and most popular
card game, played both at home and in the casino. While its origins are
unknown, it is possible that poker is a direct descendant from the Persian
game of Ās
Nas. Some say the origins are German or French, others say it evolved
from early Hindu tradition. The first direct reference to the game of poker
shows its origins in New Orleans around 1830. It became exceedingly popular
in America in the mid 1830's, spreading from the Mississippi and Ohio rivers
to the east via the railroad.
Basic rules and objectives
The objective of poker is to win the pot, which
is the money that accumulates as players who remain in the game keep raising
their bets. Unless a game of high/low poker is being played, the player
with the highest hand at the end of the game wins the pot. There are two
ways to win: by holding the best hand in the game, or by making your opponents
think that you have the best hand, so that everyone else folds (abandons
their cards), thus leaving you to win the pot.
Clubs, societies, etc.
Europe
Australia
& New Zealand
