When it comes to simplicity and popularity among fans, Texas Hold ’em is one of the most widely played poker games today. While most historians agree that the game originated in Texas, the exact details of its creation are still shrouded in mystery. To trace the origins of Texas Hold ’em, we must go back to the birthplace of poker itself: Texas.
Brand new Orleans, the particular birthplace associated with poker
Regardless of the popularity of Texas Hold ’em, which is named after the state, poker rooms in Texas are technically prohibited. However, there are currently more than 50 operating in the state, as there is no specific law outlawing them.
According to the National League of Poker, “The direct ancestors of poker were traced back to the 1800s in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was undoubtedly brought over by French sailors who played a game called ‘As,’ meaning Ace. The English played the card game ‘Brag,’ and like most things American, the cultures merged. The two games became the one game known as ‘Pogue,’ in which they used 20 cards.”
As poker grew in popularity across the United States, it became part of our country’s history. During the Civil War, it kept soldiers entertained during their downtime. After the war, when the country reunited, the nation’s focus turned to westward expansion, and poker went along for the ride.
During the Gold Rush, Five Card Stud was the preferred game of gamblers, played in saloons throughout the West.
From Pull and Guy comes Keep ’ na
Draw poker, where players can discard and draw new cards to improve their hand, is believed to have originated in New Orleans in the early 1800s. While it remains a popular variant today and serves as an introduction to poker for many new players, traditional poker soon surpassed it in popularity.
Traditional poker, where each player has a set number of cards face up and a set number face down, is said to have originated in an Ohio saloon. According to poker.com,
“A game of draw poker was underway, with one player having already bet his last dime. The man clearly had a good hand and was so determined to stay in the game that he put his cards on the table, ran outside, and pointed his horse back into the saloon.
“He tied the reins directly to the back of his chair but immediately realized his mistake – he had left his cards exposed and was pretty sure the other players had taken a look. The man was determined to play on, so he suggested that in the interest of fairness, all the other players turn three of their cards face up, discard two, and draw two more face down. He then declared that he would stake his prized stud horse on his chances.”
If stud is the offspring of draw, then Texas Hold ’em, with its two hole cards and five “community cards,” seems like a natural offspring of stud. However, while there is general agreement on the origins of draw and stud poker, there are differing opinions regarding the birthplace of Texas Hold ’em.
Hold’em: Mins to learn, a long time to master
A vintage poker saying declares, “Texas Hold ’em takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.” With its simple-to-understand rules, it is a game that many players quickly pick up. However, understanding the various playing and betting strategies when it comes to Hold ’em is more challenging. Another complex aspect is the game’s origin story.
It is widely agreed upon that Texas Hold ’em first appeared in Las Vegas casinos in the early 1960s. Initially, it was played in venues off the casino floor, where it remained relatively unknown for several years.
However, it eventually took center stage when gambling legend Benny Binion invited seven of the world’s best poker players to his renowned Horseshoe Casino to play it in the first World Series of Poker tournament. The excitement surrounding Texas Hold ’em during that tournament made it spread like wildfire throughout Vegas casinos and beyond. But where did it come from before it made its appearance in Las Vegas?
Does a quality make it correct?
“While the game’s creation dates back to the early 1900s, when it is widely believed the first hand of the popular card game was dealt in the city of Robstown,” it was with these words and more that Texas House member Abel Herrero declared Robstown, Texas, as the official birthplace of Texas Hold ’em through a resolution passed by the Texas State Legislature in 2007. Mystery solved, right? Not so fast.
Doubt crept in because it was discovered that Robstown is Herrero’s birthplace. Furthermore, several of poker’s most infamous players told stories of playing the game in other parts of Texas. According to pokernews.com, Johnny Moss, the “Grand Old Man of Poker,” recalled first playing Hold ’em in Dallas clubs around 1930. Pokernews.com also mentions other references to people playing Hold ’em in Dallas in the 1920s.
Poker legend Doyle Brunson, who honed his skills playing in poker games throughout Texas, said he first played the game in the 1950s. He mentioned this in his 2012 memoir, “The Godfather of Poker.”
“Around 1958, I first heard about a game called Hold ’em. Some believed Hold ’em originated from Waco, although I’ve heard it said that Hold ’em might have originated in Corpus Christi.”
Regardless of the exact origin, most historians agree that Texas Hold ’em was born in the state for which it is named. Perhaps one day there will be one origin story that everyone can agree on.
Until then, there is little doubt that Texas Hold ’em can attribute its popularity to being easily understood and exciting for both players and spectators alike. And it should reign as the king of poker for a long time to come.
Mark Fadden has been a freelance writer for nearly 20 years. His subject matter has included work and careers, travel, and spirits (the kind you drink). While much of his gambling experience comes from $10 blackjack tables in Las Vegas, he is excited about reporting on the state of gambling in Texas.
