Poker / Texas Hold'em

Poker / Texas Hold’em

Pokers roots go back hundreds of years. The Persians were said to play a poker-like game centuries ago. Germans played a bluffing game called "Pochen" as early as the sixteenth century, and later the French had a version called "Poque." The French brought this game with them to New Orleans and its popularity spread. "Poque" soon became known as Poker, and the rules were modified during the Civil War to allow cards to be drawn to improve one's hand. In “Texas Hold’em” there are usually two blinds, the big blind and the small blind. The big blind is usually the same amount as the little bet. So, for example in a $2/4 game the blinds would be $2 for the big blind and $1 for the small blind. The small blind is to the immediate left of the dealer button and then the big blind is after that. Pre-flop the person after the big blind has to make a move (this position is called being "under the gun" because it is the worst position). Then people play in turn around the table until the big blind (who acts last). The reason for the blinds is to force people to play. If no one had to put in any money before seeing their cards, the game would be much different and take longer to complete. There would be nothing preventing people from just waiting for pocket aces all day. The blinds or "forced bets" means there is going to be "action"; action is game play or betting. “Texas Hold’em” is the number one poker game in history; with these simple instructions you will find yourself going all in before you know it. Originating in Texas of all places, it was introduced in the early nineteen hundreds and still remains a source of entertainment throughout the world with big money stakes. “Texas Hold’em” poker is considered a favorite by many gamblers and card players dating back to nineteen-seventy were it has evolved into the biggest poker tournaments in the world. Today it is not just played in casinos. Through advancement in technology in our culture today it has expanded its reach into the homes and workplaces of millions of people through the internet and cellular phones. So, if you want to get involved in a craze that is sweeping through the country and beyond try your hand at “Texas Hold’em” and place your name in history.