History of Poker

Poker is undoubtedly one of the best-known card games and is not only played in casinos, but also at kitchen tables around the world. The game has a long and colorful history. No one knows exactly where the game originated. There are many different theories, but no one can know where they came from.

Some alleged antecedents

Although there are many theories, the two most popular are. The first is that poker originated in China around 900 BC. The theory claims that it came about as a development of Chinese dominoes. That said, Chinese poker is the least known of the most popular types of poker: http://www.gratisapan.se/2022/08/04/mest-populara-typer-av-poker/.

A second theory is that poker originated from the French game Poque, which has many similarities to poker. It is believed that emigrants from France brought the game to New Orleans in connection with the colonization of America. This is the most likely theory.

Evolution of the deck

Early decks usually had 20 cards, which later evolved into today's 52 cards. The suits or sets used in early Spanish and Italian decks are the same as those used in Tarot cards, i.e. coins, cups, wands and swords.

They were known as Latin suits, and the original English decks were also the first to use them. It was replaced by what we know today as clubs, spades, hearts and diamonds. You can easily learn more about the ranking of suits in poker before you start playing.

Poker is gaining momentum

Poker spread around the world in the 19th century, and when it reached the US it was an instant hit in bars and on steamboats. In the movie Casino Royale, the famous spy James Bond participates in a poker tournament. It's not the only film in which poker plays a significant role.

Poker rules

In the 1830s the rules of the card game begin to be written down, in 1931 poker became legal in the state of Nevada and in 1978 it was also legal in Atlantic City. Today it may seem strange that card games were actually illegal when the casino industry had been thriving for years. As online casinos have taken the gambling world by storm, it is now more accessible than ever. Major tournaments, particularly poker tournaments, are organized every year, attracting players from all over the world.

Poker in Sweden

In Sweden, we legalized gambling a little later. For a long time, it was just something that was played in premises of a very dubious nature. In 2001, however, we saw the doors open to land-based casinos owned by the Swedish state. The rules in Sweden are still strict. According to the Gambling Act, online casinos require a valid license to operate. The Swedish Gambling Authority issues licenses.

As poker is an extremely popular game in casinos, there have been many variations to choose from. Texas Hold'em has become a hit at online casinos and is now also available in various variants. Interest in the game of poker in Sweden has grown considerably in recent years. You can now find Swedish poker championships.

Playing poker is incredibly fun, just like any other game, you need the luck to win. You also need skills and a good poker face. You need to learn how to read your opponents and predict their next move. Perhaps that's why poker is so popular.