Many theories of where poker actually began can be found when searching for the history of poker.  Here are some of the most popular theories:

1. The Chinese Theory. Once upon a time… Emperor Mu-tsung and his wife were playing “domino cards” and one day it became poker. If you like the idea of the Chinese ancestor of poker then accept this theory and stop reading this article.

   2. The Persian Theory. It says that the game was brought to New Orleans by Persian sailors. The name of the game was “As nas”. Doesn’t sound like poker? In addition to it the deck consisted of 25 cards with 5 suits.

   3. The Indian Theory. Even Indians were gamblers! Their poker was called Ganjifa.

   4. The English Theory. The Bragg (or brag) game also could be the ancestor of Poker. One of proofs is that English Bragg incorporated bluffing.

   5. The French Theory. Those who settled in New Orleans in 1480 played a card game called Poque. And it was the first time when a deck with four suits (spades, diamonds, clubs and hearts) was used.

   6. The German Theory. “Ich Poche!” – he cried and rapped on the table. This what distinguishes the pochspiel. The player has two ways: either pass or open by saying “Ich Poche!” and rapping on the table.

     It’s clear that all these games brought something to Poker. Poker is a pochspiel, bragg, ganjifa and poque all rolled in one. There are also many disputes about the name of the game, but they are not so serious as disputes about the origins. As for the name. You know two theories: French (Poque) and German (Pochspiel). The other words-ancestors could be: pukka (funny Hindu word), poke (word used by pickpockets), hocus-pocus (magic term… and somebody believes it… maybe magicians themselves?).
Anyway, it doesn’t matter where poker came from. The fact is that it is the number one card game in the world. And the types of poker we know today are not the last ones! Be prepared!

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