Poker

 

POKER

For almost two centuries poker was a manly, illicit game played in saloons, speakeasies and smoke-filled back rooms.  But in just ten years poker has shaken off its tainted background and become almost respectable.

More than 20 states now have poker tables in their legal casinos.  Poker is played on the internet, broadcast on ESPN and featured in hundreds of tournaments that lure players with cars and $100,000 prizes.  It is the only game in the world where amateurs play with pros and win.  Imagine going one-on- one with Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods or Steffi Graff.

Poker has become a part of our culture highlighted in books, movies, TV and on stage.  From Maverick to W. C. Fields, poker has played a part in turning up dramatic the stakes.  Although, to Fields, it wasn't a game about risk.  He was asked in "My Little Chickadee" if poker was gambling?  "Not the way I play it," he responded.

For most, the lure of poker, is the risk.  Since it was invented in the late 1700's it has attracted players from every level of society who share one thing in common -- they love to bet, bluff and tempt fate.

It's a game with roots in ancient Persian bluffing games and French, English and German betting games.  In the United States, after the Louisiana Purchase opened up the West, riverboat gamblers became a staple in our cultural lore.

A gun battle involving Wild Bill Hickcock gave us the famous "Dead Man's Hand," (Aces and Eights) and a knack at card playing provided the stake a young Richard Nixon needed to enter his first race.

Today, thousands of amateurs and pros flock to casinos all over the world, or take part in games held in barns, barracks, pool halls, scout tents and basement rec rooms.  Poker has come out of the back room and people just love to play.