Notes

Poker Versions from Europe and the United States
Poker (a card or hand game) has an ancient origin in Rome. It is a combination of two Greek games "punts" as well as "spearfish". Roman games had players deal their "ces", or original faces-down on the table. The players all looked at one other, and when the last card was dealt the player with the highest hand could keep his three cards. It was also known as "tournament poker" as the winner had to remain in the game until a player removed the "queen".

Later, "poker," which originated in Venice was introduced to France and Italy, Germany, and ultimately to England. The first evidence of "Memphis Rules" in America was found in the 17th century's early years. A group led by Captain William Penn, an Englishman, traveled to Mississippi River to play a "board" game. The purpose of the game was to improve their fishing and hunting skills. Creek Indians were their opponent. It was an interesting game of strategy, playing bluff and taking advantage of playing random cards.

The fundamental form of poker is also called seven-card stud. The two top players typically sit opposite one another, and the dealer holds the hand of the deck face-up in the middle of the table. The majority of the time, four cards are distributed between ace and king. If a player holds a high ranking hand, his opponent may not even know until they reveal the hand. This is the reason why the majority of poker variants are played at a single table.

American poker players are more familiar with five-card draw poker. They are played in straight format and do not have jokers or pairs. In this variant, the dealer usually keeps two low cards as well as an extra high card on the table. The player who has the most hands wins the pot (with the exception of the five-card draw, when the dealer will often draw five cards also). Five-card draws are an act of luck not skill.

Omaha poker is among the oldest variations of poker in the world. Omaha poker is the World Poker Tour's oldest continuously played game. Omaha takes its name from the town that the first tournament held. At the time, Omaha was a small market town. The popularity of Omaha has grown with time, making it a favorite for players from all over the globe.

One interesting fact about Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker games is that they have nearly the exact same rules. A player has to be able to raise during either game. For instance in Omaha, the Omaha version requires you to "mulligan" -- that means you need to take a look at your deck and remove any cards which could be called "misses". In Texas Hold'em however, you don't have to do this. Instead, you can discard any card you like (including the kings and theces). It is possible to only discard up to seven cards.

A fascinating variant of the game played in the European and American continents is the French or Italian game known as the Spanish game as shown here. This game is played with four players at the table. It's also known as Patakonda. There are three types of suits: diamonds hearts and clubs. Royal flushes are also feasible. This is where you place bets on the same amount of money as the person would win in traditional poker. The "royal flush" is a win which the player who raises it gets.

The most well-known variants of the game played today are five-card draw, Caribbean Stud, Vegas ring, and no limit hold'em. These games can all be played in casinos around all over the world. The most well-known versions of the game in Europe are the Frenchand Italian versions. Also, there is Mexican poker that is a variant of Caribbean stud poker. It's very well-known.
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