People have been playing poker since the 1700's. It is claimed to be the oldest game that has not varied much over the years. It is believed that it will last for centuries more.

There are three claimed origins of poker. The Persian game of as nas, German pochspiel, and French poque are the sources most historians allege were the basis of modern day poker. Poker's name derives from the French poque.

Historians have been debating the origins of poker from decades. No one really knows from where poker exactly originated. However, none of them argue that poker is a fabulously entertaining game.

The Revolutionary War was when the first real documentation of poker was found. The soldiers would play a three card version of stud. The five-card version was developed during the Civil War as a nice distraction from the fighting.

Five-card poker began as a game for four people who were dealt the entire amount of a 20-card deck. This version eliminated the lower cards of a normal 52-card deck. The object of this game was to bet on who would have the best hand.

Once the game incorporated all of the cards in a 52-card deck, popularity grew for the game, which had become more complex. With the lower cards included the possibilities became larger. This popularity brought the game to the forefront rather than just something to pass the time.

Historians also believe that poker became a gambling game in New Orleans during the 1800's expansion. It was next found on the riverboats traveling up and down the Mississippi. Riverboats can still be found with poker as a main attraction.

It is believed that the settlers and gold rush miners brought poker to the west coast in this theory of the evolution of American poker. Offering various versions of poker and its derivatives saloons and casinos were built throughout the west. These movements helped establish poker as an all-American pastime.

In modern days, seven-card stud is the most popular version of poker played. It has become famous by Las Vegas casinos. Tournaments and tables have been specially made for the seven-card game called Texas Hold'em.

Still played today in many casinos and online, the many different versions developed through the years. The three card version is the only type that did not make it through evolution. It is lost in the past now.

Many things last throughout time, but poker is probably the most exciting. The longevity of the game thus far proves its durability and addictiveness. While some things may wane with time, poker will be around forever.