The history of poker goes a long way back with some historians finding similar card games being played in Germany, France and even Iran (formerly known as Persia), which leads others to believe in them contributing to the current way it is being played today.

Most of today's variations of poker require players to make the best five-card hand from a predetermined hierarchy. The players then place wagers on the supposed strength of their holdings. Ultimately the cards are turned face up and the best hand takes the money on the table.

There has never been any doubt that USA is the home of modern poker; in which Texas Hold 'em is by far the most popular variation being played today with many believing it to be originating way back in the early 1900s. If you are watching poker on the tellie, there's a mighty big chance its Texas Hold 'em.

It was this variation that was used in the original World Series of Poker at Binions Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas, in 1970 and it has established itself as the standard variation used for almost all of the major international tournaments.

Towards the end of 1990s internet poker began to surface but it only got its following in 2003 when an accountant from the state of Tennessee; Chris Moneymaker won the first prize of $2.5 million at the World Series by earning his $10,000 seat from playing in a $40 online tournament.

Since then online poker has become a big business and a huge variety of games are being offered in countless sites 24-hours a day.

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