Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and its history is as fascinating as the game itself. Poker has been around for centuries, and its evolution has taken it from the saloons of the Wild West to the online casinos of today.

The earliest known version of poker was played in the 16th century in Persia, and it was known as As Nas. This game was played with 25 cards and four players, and it was the first game to use the five-card hand. From there, the game spread to Europe and eventually to the United States.

In the United States, poker was first played in the saloons of the Wild West. This was a time when gambling was illegal, so the game was often played in secret. The game was popular among cowboys, miners, and other frontiersmen, and it quickly spread across the country.

In the late 19th century, poker began to be played in more formal settings, such as clubs and casinos. This was the beginning of the modern version of the game, and it was the first time that the game was played with a standard deck of 52 cards.

In the 20th century, poker began to be played in tournaments, and the World Series of Poker was established in 1970. This event helped to popularize the game and make it more mainstream.

In the 21st century, poker has become even more popular thanks to the rise of online casinos. Players can now play poker from the comfort of their own homes, and the game has become even more accessible.

Poker has come a long way since its origins in the 16th century. From the saloons of the Wild West to the online casinos of today, poker has become one of the most popular card games in the world.