Finding out exactly how Poker was invented would prove to be quite challenging. It would more than likely be easier to find a needle in a haystack. Historians believe the games basic origins more than likely originated somewhere in Europe along with the rest of the popular casino games. However, we can thank the southern United States for giving Poker its rise to fame.
Where else but in New Orleans in the 19th century can you find such a heart pounding rooting tooting type of game. The card version of Poker amassed major popularity on the River Boats of Mississippi and the traditional 5-card poker game began to evolve. Many variations followed from this point, along with several more heroes and legends. Today however, poker has shaken off its ugly rugged past and has become even more popular thanks to the Internet and especially the variation of Texas Hold’em Poker.
How did Texas Hold’em come to be?
The basic origins, just like the original concept of poker, remain clouded in mystery. However, just like you would expect there is a great story that gives birth to a legend. According to the story, Hold’em was played in the old saloons of Robstown, Texas. It became quite popular and began earning a reputation across the Lone Star State. It was eventually refined and perfected up until around the 1950’s. It was during this time that a well-known Texan by the name of Benny Binion decided to bring Texas Hold’em to Las Vegas.
Binion had made quite a bit of money from playing Hold’em and thought it was time for a move. Because he had a small fortune, he made the right investment and bought into one of the casinos in Vegas. As soon as the casino opens its doors, Binion introduced Texas Hold’em to the general population. As you can well imagine, Texas Hold’em Poker was a huge hit. By Binion’s side was some of his old Poker buddies, among them were Poker legends Amarillo Slim Preston and Doyle Brunson. Names you might recognize and if your new, you will soon learn about.
On with the story…
As it turns out, Binion, even before arriving in Vegas, was a pro at arranging face-to-face tournaments between high stakes Holdem poker players. This moneymaking tradition became even a bigger hit in Las Vegas. It became such a massive hit that Binion decided to organize a buy- in Holdem poker tournament. The tournament ran for the first time in 1970 and became the forerunner for the "World Series of Poker". Binion's formula of prize money being divided by the players who reached the final table, with the house taking a percentage of the entrance fee is still being used today. The first tournament of the "World series of Poker" had only 50 entrants and the first prize then was less than the entry fee that it is today.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and the online game revolution. Poker Hold’em has gained some serious momentum as a game played and enjoyed by millions. These days a Hold’em player who wins certain tournaments can find themselves competing in one of the huge televised tournaments, with prizes running into millions.
Benny Binion passed away in 1989, but his legend lives on through the "World Series of Poker" Doyle Brunson, one of the last survivors of the "Texas Crew" is now in his late seventies, still plays poker just about every day and competes in tournaments, sometimes against players a third of his age. You never know, you maybe lucky enough to play against the legend one day. |
