Why Is Poker So Popular?

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Of all the card games ever invented Poker has always stood out as a firm favorite among gamblers. Many cool action movies have a poker game scene that is always filled with tension and suspense. But why among all the card games is poker so popular?

The History Of Poker

Poker was first played in the USA around the early 19th century, the name poker is believed to have originated from the Irish word Poca. In early times they played with a 20-card deck, as the game gained popularity and moved across the globe a 52-card French deck was used. 

It’s interesting to note that there are over fifty books written exclusively about the game of poker. In the 21st century, the game of poker spiked popularity due to the introduction of online poker and the World Poker Series. From being played on ships, in saloons, and in gentlemen’s clubs today there isn’t a single land casino or online casino that doesn’t have poker.

The late Thomas Preston, winner of the 1972 WSOP event made giant strides in ensuring high-stakes poker was known outside of Las Vegas; poker gained popularity as it started appearing on television. On game shows and daytime television. Preston was interviewed on several talk shows and became Poker’s first TV celebrity. Then came the 2000s and suddenly people saw poker as a sport and watched televised events, the WSOP main event was compared to the Super Bowl in terms of viewership. The 2022 WSOP main event attracted 8,663 players with an $80 million prize pool.



Poker has never been left behind, is the motto of the story. Its online presence remains up-to-date. When a popular live casino game – roulette, for instance – receives this new live-streamed adaptation, poker isn’t far behind. It’s an enduring game.

How To Play Poker And The Different Variations

There are at least thirteen variations of poker, with a variation the rules change slightly but the basics remain the same. No matter the variation the hands stay the same, the highest-ranking hand you can get is a royal flush, and after that, it’s a straight flush. The 4-of-a-kind, full house, and a flush, are at the lower end of the scale but still a win. All bets are placed at the beginning of the game. Players do not reveal their hands until they reach a showdown, depending on the cards you have you can choose to bet, call or raise the bet amount.

Of the thirteen variations of Poker, Texas Hold Em is the most popular one, this variation doesn’t have an ante when placing bets.

The thirteen variations:

  • Texas Hold ‘Em
  • Omaha Hi
  • 7-Card Stud
  • 2-7 Triple Draw
  • Omaha Hi-Lo
  • 5 – card Draw
  • 5 – card Omaha
  • HORSE
  • Badugi
  • Razz
  • Pineapple
  • Short Deck
  • Chinese Poker

The Best Poker Movie Scenes

  • Casino Royale

James Bond has a lousy hand and has to save the world on a $1 million stake, at the end of the movie the final scene is a showdown with a $100 million pot.

  • Maverick

The movie is all poker scenes with Bret Maverick playing from bar to bar for a buy-in to a high-stakes competition on the ocean.

  • Titanic

Without that opening scene where Jack wins the Titanic tickets at a poker game, then we would have never experienced the Jack and Rose romance.

Last Word

People have wagered and won the craziest things from a poker game, Pamela Anderson got one of her marriages in a poker game, whether it was a loss or a win is up to her.

Poker may seem complicated while you are still learning but once you get the hang of it and play more frequently it’s easy. Its appeal is that it requires both chance and skill so you need to know which to rely on. And if you are good at the game there is potential to make good money and travel the world as well. As always, play safely, know your limits, and have fun with this game.

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