ATAS History of Poker | ATAS Poker | ATAS Casino Poker | ATAS Malaysia

The history of poker is a journey through centuries, linking players today to a long and rich tradition. From Civil War camps and Wild West saloons to glamorous Las Vegas casinos and the modern world of online poker, the game has evolved significantly over time. This deep-rooted history is filled with cultural milestones, legendary moments, and changing gameplay styles, making poker one of the most beloved games worldwide.

Ancient Beginnings of Poker

Poker’s origins date back nearly a thousand years, spanning different cultures and continents. Some scholars trace the game to a domino-card game played by a Chinese emperor in the 10th century. Others point to “As Nas,” a Persian card game from the 16th century, as one of poker’s earliest ancestors.

However, the game that most closely resembles modern poker emerged in Europe. In the 17th century, a French game called Poque gained popularity, evolving from the Spanish game Primero. Poque, and its German counterpart, Pochen, featured bluffing—a core element still central to the history of poker today. French settlers brought Poque to North America, where it took root in New Orleans and spread across the Mississippi River, eventually becoming “poker” as English-speaking players adapted the game.

Poker’s Growth in America

Poker became widely popular across the United States, especially among riverboat travelers, Civil War soldiers, and patrons of Wild West saloons. By the late 1800s, the history of poker became intertwined with the American frontier. Even European royalty, including Queen Victoria, expressed interest in learning the game. The international spread of poker continued with American soldiers, who helped popularize it during World War I.

During these formative years, poker saw several changes, including the adoption of the 52-card deck, which is still standard in today’s games. These early developments set the stage for poker’s rise in popularity as a competitive and cultural pastime, with Texas Hold’em becoming a game-changer in the poker world.

The Birth of Texas Hold’em

A major milestone in the history of poker came with the creation of Texas Hold’em, a variation that uses community cards. This innovative format added new layers of excitement and strategy, making it one of the most popular poker variants around the world. Texas Hold’em first appeared in Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900s and gained traction with professional players like Doyle Brunson.

By the 1960s, Texas Hold’em had made its way to Las Vegas, where it quickly became the preferred game for serious players. This format’s popularity skyrocketed with major tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which cemented Texas Hold’em’s status as a cornerstone of the modern poker scene. ATAS poker, with its variety of Texas Hold’em games, provides a seamless experience for players to dive into this exciting format.