Originating in the south and predating the American Civil War, the game of poker began as a modest version of the game that is enjoyed today. Played with just 20 cards, the combinations for a winning hand were limited as were the number of participants. There was no draw with the deck being evenly dealt to just four players.

Earliest indications have poker first being played in the early 1800’s. Mississippi riverboat steamers with their saloons for gambling were the birthplace of this notorious pastime. Within a few decades, decks containing 52 cards were becoming more widely used, giving the players added options for bidding and allowing more gamblers per game.

Hoyle’s Games first lists poker as a card game in 1845, but without the draw that would emerge from the English game of Brag. It took England until at least the mid 1800’s to experiment with American poker. The introduction of the larger deck along with player’s ability to draw more cards added a second betting dimension and changed poker from a game of chance to one of skill.