Poker History – The Origins of Texas Hold'em

Whilst poker has taken the world by storm, it is one form of poker in particular which has been foreseen in the rise of the game - Texas Hold'em. The prevalence of Texas Hold'em in the US is not limited to the average poker player but it is evident among the seasoned veterans and professional players as well.

Evolution of Texas Hold'em

Sadly, despite the fact that Texas Hold'em is an extremely popular variation of poker there is surprisingly little information concerning its origins and development, and although one would assume that the game was developed in Texas, there is little to corroborate this theory.

What is known for certain is that the very first documented game of Texas Hold'em took place at the Golden Nugget casino, and the casino was for many years the only place where the game was actually player. The game did not reach popularity until the beginning of the 70s when it was typically adopted at a tournament level.

Remarkably, even in 2003 the Texas Hold'em game was far from popular and was an obscure variation only known to a few minor. In a complete about turn it shifted from a little publicized form of poker to the most prolific in what can only be described as a miraculous transformation.

Part of the increased popularity of the game was as a result of a high profile victory for a professional poker player who went by the name of Chris Moneymaker (yes that IS his real name folks.) In 2003, he managed to win the World Series of Poker tournament thereby acquiring the Championship title.

Texas Holdem Online

Online poker while raising awareness about poker as a whole was especially beneficial for Texas Hold'em as the internet in effect acted like a burst of pure oxygen to the smouldering embers of the Texas Hold'em movement. Given the cost effectiveness, ease of use and larger periods of time which the aspiring poker player could benefit from when it came to online poker this meant that many novices were able to hone their craft much quicker.

The advent and increasing usage of online poker sites became affectionately known as the "poker boom" and "poker gold rush" and profits for such sites were sky high. The World Series of Poker reported a significant increase in the number of new recruitments. This reached an all time high in 2006 when roughly 9,000 players signed in their details and registered their interest for the No-Limit Texas Hold'em World Championship.

Whilst it is without doubt one of the most popular variations of poker throughout the whole of America, Texas Hold'em has also managed to spread its influence across the globe as well and has been reported in Europe, Asia and even the Far East. In Ireland, the fortunes of Texas Hold'em can be comfortably traced to the efforts of one man: Liam Flood, nicknamed "The Gentleman", and in the UK hold'em is the game of choice in casinos, tournaments and home games.

The future of Texas Hold'em

Rather curious, despite its namesake, Texas Hold'em is actually criminalized in Texas since gambling is illegal. Since strong calls and pressure from various groups to have this gambling prohibition repealed, the legislatures remain firm. Only time will tell whether the Texan politicians will be swayed from their ivory tower, and Texas hold'em can be played legally in the state it takes its name from!

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Source by Billy Kernow