The history of poker: from saloons to world-class tournaments Poker is a game that has conquered the entire world. Today, it is a discipline with prize pools worth millions, strict rules and the status of an intellectual sport. However, it began in dusty American saloons, where people played for luck, honour and their last dollar.

The beginning: Mississippi, cards and bluffing

The United States is considered the birthplace of poker, although the game's roots go back to the French poque and German pochen. In the early 19th century, the game spread rapidly to the coastal towns of Mississippi and Louisiana. The basic principles — dealing cards, betting, bluffing — quickly became popular among soldiers, travellers and fortune seekers. The first versions of poker were played with a deck of 20 cards. Later, the familiar 52-card deck appeared, along with elements such as flushes and full houses.

The saloon era

In the days of the Wild West, poker was part of everyday life. In saloons, cowboys, gold prospectors and hustlers gambled away their fortunes at card tables. The game was often accompanied by weapons, arguments and dirty tricks. Despite its criminal aura, it was during this period that the basic rules of conduct at the table were established: respect for opponents, the concept of ‘face’ and betting etiquette.

The 20th century: from bars to clubs

With the growth of cities and the emergence of casinos, poker moved into the legal sphere. In 1970, Las Vegas hosted the first World Series of Poker (WSOP), an event that became the starting point for modern professional poker. By the end of the century, poker clubs had sprung up, television began broadcasting tournaments, and viewers were able to see the players' cards — this changed the perception of the game and made it media-friendly.

The digital leap

The 2000s saw the start of a real boom in online poker. Websites offered access to tables 24/7, with any stakes. Millions of players from all over the world began to compete, learn and develop. In 2003, American Chris Moneymaker qualified through an online tournament and won the WSOP. This was a turning point: thousands of newcomers believed that the path to professional poker was open to everyone. Today, the Yoyo Spins platform offers not only slot machines, but also access to a variety of poker formats with live dealers and tournaments that are close to real competitions.

Conclusion

Poker has gone from an informal card game to a sport with millions of spectators and players. Its history is a story of the evolution of rules, technology and risk perception. It is a game in which intelligence, intuition and strategy matter more than just luck.