Probably no one will deny that poker is one of the most popular card games in the world. It is often played in casinos, private homes, or simply online. Although there is a prevailing opinion that most of the winnings depend on luck, in reality, this game requires experience and skills.
If you think you know everything about poker, we will try to disprove this information and present the most interesting facts and stories that have happened throughout the long history of poker below.
The Origin of Poker
One of the most popular poker games is Texas Hold’em. Many probably associate this name with Texas, USA, but historians interpret the origin of poker completely differently. There are different opinions on when the first poker game was played, but it could have happened around 1829 when French settlers began playing this card game in New Orleans.
The Longest Poker Game
Rumor has it that the longest poker game started in 1881 and lasted for 8 years, five months, and three days. Sounds unbelievable? There is no recorded information to confirm this fact, but the entry fee for this tournament was a thousand dollars, which was indeed a huge amount of money at that time.
Dead Man's Hand
In poker, there is a pair called the “dead man's hand.” It consists of two aces and two eights. The name of this combination dates back to the Wild West when the famous gunslinger and poker player Wild Bill Hickok was shot at the poker table while holding this card combination.
The First Online Poker Game
On January 1, 1998, the first online poker game for real money took place. Until this date, all games were played using virtual money. This date is considered the beginning of online poker games. During this period, the online poker industry has made significant progress, and such games have become easily accessible to everyone. Many poker news and review sites have emerged, such as KazinoKaralius poker which review poker rooms and games and share strategic tips.
The First Poker Chip
In the early days, poker was played without using chips. They were replaced by gold nuggets, coins, or currency. This betting method was not always fair due to the complexity of determining value, so as more gambling houses emerged, the first poker chips were introduced. They were usually made of wood, clay, or even bone. The official poker chip was introduced in the 19th century.
Four Kings
The four kings in a deck of cards are not just simple silhouettes of men drawn by artists. Each of them has a deep meaning. The king of spades symbolizes David, the king of Israel from the Old Testament. The king of hearts symbolizes Charlemagne, the king of France. The king of clubs symbolizes Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia, and the king of diamonds represents Caesar Augustus of Rome.
Smaller Deck of Cards
Did you know that in the beginning, poker was played using only 20 cards? In modern poker, it is customary to use a 52-card deck, but earlier, poker was played using only 20 cards, and the game could involve a maximum of 4 people.
Body Language Says It All
People are governed by instincts, and some of them happen completely uncontrollably. Some body language experts say that when a poker player leans back in their chair or leans forward at the table, it can mean they have a good hand. Attention should also be paid to speed. A player with weak cards usually bets faster than one with good cards.
Poker and Superstitions
There are many superstitions in poker. Every poker player has their own beliefs and superstitions that bring them luck. So don't be too surprised if you meet a barefoot, unwashed, or unshaven poker player at the poker table.
