It’s believed that Poker has been around since the earlier 19th century. Yet it still remains one of the most popular casino games in the world till today. The game can be tense and thrilling, as you battle your opponents, manipulating the hand that you’ve been dealt in order to come out on top.
At its core, Poker is a mathematical game and its outcome is based upon a combination of luck, odds and strategy. However, professional Poker requires immense skill. Expert players are able to read the moves, expressions and body language of their players to help inform their gaming strategies and decisions.
Poker also has a rich history and has changed significantly since its invention. You may think that you know the game, but we’re here to reveal three interesting facts that you might not have known, that you can share with your friends the next time you play this iconic game.
- The longest game lasted for eight years
The longest game of Poker in history was held at the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona and lasted for a colossal eight years, five months and three days.
Unbelievably, the game ran non-stop for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, beginning in 1881 and ending in 1889. The game had extremely high-stakes and buy-ins cost $1000 — the equivalent of $20,000 today.
The game was attended by some of the best Poker players at the time, including George Hearst and Jim Brady. The game ended in 1889, not because the players had completed it, but because of a flood that affected the town’s mines and low-lying properties.
Who knows how long the game could have lasted if this hadn’t occurred!
- The first online Poker game for real money
Since its invention, the basis of Poker has stayed the same. But the way that we play the classic game has almost evolved beyond recognition. Today, you can play some of the most popular casino games, like online Poker and online Slots from the comfort of your own home, and on multiple electronic devices.
But did you know the first game of Poker, played for real money on the internet, took place in 1998, on the online gaming site ‘Planet Poker’?
Since then, online casinos have truly dominated the gambling world, and it’s estimated that the online casino market makes profits of between $40-50 billion each year.
- Poker used to be played with just 20 cards
Today, a game of Poker involves a full deck of 52 cards, but this wasn’t always the case. Back in 1834 — around the time the game first started to gain popularity — Poker involved 20 cards and four players.
For the game to begin, each player was dealt five cards and following this, bets would be placed and the game would commence.
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Poker is certainly fascinating. Today it’s not only considered a game, but a sport, played professionally in high-stake tournaments throughout the world.
Although this involves skilled professionals, the game is fairly simple and easy to get the hang of. And you could try your hand at the game by signing up to an online casino and launching a game today!