Poker Nights

History of poker

Poker firstly originated in the first or second decade of the 19th century. It first raised its head in the former French territory of good ol’ New Orleans which was surrendered in 1803 to the newly formed country of the times - the United States of America.
New Orleans was the centre of all things gambling and sordid which gave rise to the famous Mississippi gambling saloon steamer which first set sail in around 1811. Upon these infamous steamer ships, gambling, amongst other things became the order of the day, with Poker taking precedence.

The introduction of Poker into English society is often accredited, to General Schenck, the American ambassador to Britain. General Schenck, whilst entertaining some guests at his Somerset country estate in 1872, was asked to teach some of his noble English guests this rather peculiar American card game. Some of his pupils, still unclear who, eventually distributed the rules of poker in a booklet within the upper echelons of English society.

And the rest they say is history!

Poker suits

Poker suits are what determine the winning hands in any game of poker.

1) Royal Flush – highest straight flush in hearts suit. The best there is!
2) Straight flush - five cards in suit and in sequence, Ace high or low
3) Four of a kind or a poker - four cards of the same number ie 4 no. 3 cards

4) Full house - A two pair and a three of a kind.
5) Flush - five cards in same suit.
6) Straight - five cards in numbered sequence

7) Three of a kind – three cards of same number
8) Two pair - two cards of the same number
9) One pair - Explains itself!

Top 4 poker games:

Texas Hold’em

In a nut shell
Texas hold’em poker has become one of the most popular styles of poker in the world and is by far, the best! It can be played with as few as 2 players or as many as 10. The game is made up of 4 rounds of betting with each player initially receiving 2 cards down. The dealer then places 5 cards in the centre which all players use to complete the best hand to win the game.

Omaha Hi

In a nut shell
Omaha hi is very like Teaxs hold’em. It can also be played with 2 to 10 players. Each player is dealt 4 face down cards, with them competing to obtain the highest or the lowest suit to win the game. They are allowed use only 2 of the 4 face down cards, while making up the rest of the hand with 3 of the 5 centre cards.

Seven Card Stud

In a nut shell
Seven card stud is another very popular version of poker played across the world. This game can be played between two and eight players. Betting in this game requires all players to make an initial wager or stake, continued then by five betting rounds. The game is played with each player receiving three face-down cards and four face-up cards. Each player creates the highest valued hand, using any combination of five of their seven total cards.

Five Card Draw

In a nut shell
Five card draw poker is the oldest and still one of the best poker games on the planet! Five-card draw is relatively easy to learn but takes some mastering to become good at. The game begins with each player being dealt 5 cards. Unlike some of the more popular games today, all five cards are dealt face down. After the cards are dealt, there is a round of betting where you have the chance to exchange 3 of your cards for fresh cards. After this, you either have the choice to throw down or play on to the second round of gambling. The winner is determined by the player with the highest hand who then takes the pot.