The game of poker appears to have got its start in the early part of the nineteenth century in New Orleans. The game itself is of course based on older card games that were imported from Europe but it was the game played in New Orleans that we would recognize as being the start of modern poker.

The first games of poker were played with a twenty card deck, tens through aces, and where largely a game of chance. There was no draw in the early games so there was little skill involved. In fact the early games could only be played with four players. This way the full deck would be dealt and whoever had the best hand would win.

Things really started to change for the game of poker in about the 1830’s when the fifty two card deck as introduced. This not only allowed more players to play it also meant that there were cards available for a draw. This is when poker as we would know it today started to appear. The draw introduced bluffing and changed poker from being a game of chance to one that required skill.

The early versions of poker were all draw poker however during the Civil War many other variants were introduced. This was mainly to keep the game interesting. Some of the variations where also introduced in the hopes of adding some discipline to the game. In the early days the game was almost entirely about bluffing and players would often bet even when they had nothing and force the players who actually had good hands out. Rules where therefore introduced that it was hoped would stop this and reduce the influence of bluffing on the game.

At this point poker largely remained unchanged until the early part of the twentieth century when hold’em poker was introduced. This was introduced in large part because it sped up the game which was ideal for casinos; it also allowed more people to play. Given how popular hold’em is today most people would be surprised to learn that for much of its history it was not particularly popular. It has only been the rise of tournament play and games being played on television that has made hold’em the most popular version of poker. One of the great benefits of hold’em is that it is so easy to learn that it has really helped to spread the popularity of the game.

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Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

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Full Tilt Poker Game #11724732127: $2 + $0.15 Heads Up Sit & Go (87956799), Table 1 – 50/100 Ante 10 – Limit Stud Hi – 23:33:40 ET – 2009/04/16
Seat 1: JFoss (1,960)
Seat 2: gobrokepoker (1,040)
JFoss antes 10
gobrokepoker antes 10
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to JFoss [3d]
Dealt to gobrokepoker [Td 9h] [Ad]
JFoss is low with [3d]
JFoss brings in for 15
gobrokepoker completes it to 50
JFoss calls 35
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to JFoss [3d] [Js]
Dealt to gobrokepoker [Td 9h Ad] [5d]
gobrokepoker bets 50
JFoss calls 50
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to JFoss [3d Js] [2s]
Dealt to gobrokepoker [Td 9h Ad 5d] [Th]
gobrokepoker bets 100
JFoss raises to 200
gobrokepoker calls 100
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to JFoss [3d Js 2s] [Qc]
Dealt to gobrokepoker [Td 9h Ad 5d Th] [8c]
gobrokepoker checks
JFoss bets 100
gobrokepoker calls 100
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to gobrokepoker [Td 9h Ad 5d Th 8c] [9s]
gobrokepoker bets 100
JFoss calls 100
*** SHOW DOWN ***
gobrokepoker shows [Td 9s Ad 5d Th 8c 9h] two pair, Tens and Nines
JFoss shows [9d 3c 3d Js 2s Qc 2h] two pair, Threes and Twos
gobrokepoker wins the pot (1,020) with two pair, Tens and Nines
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1,020 | Rake 0
Seat 1: JFoss showed [9d 3c 3d Js 2s Qc 2h] and lost with two pair, Threes and Twos
Seat 2: gobrokepoker showed [Td 9s Ad 5d Th 8c 9h] and won (1,020) with two pair, Tens and Nines

I couldn’t have played this hand any worse, except for that value bet on seventh, but that’s about it. Good to win a big pot, though.

We made a simple list for you to browse:

Playing Any Hand You Have

Play and enjoy the game but you need to learn what is the acceptable starting hand for you. Do you think it will be wise to play a 3 Spade with a 4 Diamond?

Jumping Over Your Bankroll

Anything that is too much is not good for you. If you play greedy poker or play way above your budget can afford, count a few months and you will be declaring a bankrupt. Know your limits and stick to what you can afford.

Declare and Change

Like chess, poker is a game of integrity. Declare “raise” and you should raise. Say “call” and you mean call. Your first action is your final action. Play by the etiquette and you will win more than chips while on the poker table.

Mimicking Other Players

Imitate professional players you see on the television and you may end up getting their bad habits as well. Poker is a game where your own decision and habits will count. Your call will win you games and your behavior will be your wall against the other players.

Loving too much the Suited Cards

Suited cards are nice but you need to know how to value your cards. An Ace and a King of different suits are far more valuable than a ten and two of hearts. Remember there is a very low probability for flush.