Poker

The History of Texas Hold’em: Legends, Lore, and Legacy

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Last updated: 14 October 2024

8 min

The history of Texas Hold'em is as intriguing as the game itself. Known for its perfect blend of strategy, bluffing, and luck, it has become the poker game for players worldwide. But where did it all begin? The story unfolds through legends and mystery, tracing its roots back to early Texas poker circles.

Early Beginnings and Origin Stories

Texas Hold'em poker didn’t emerge overnight; it has deep roots in poker history. Early games like poque from France and primero from Spain made their mark in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, focusing on bluffing and betting—key elements of poker today.

When these games crossed the Atlantic with French and Spanish settlers, they evolved into American favourites like five-card draw and stud poker during the 19th century, where the betting patterns we know today began to take shape.

As poker spread across the American frontier, particularly along the Mississippi River, it became a popular pastime. The American Civil War further popularised it among soldiers, who shared it with different regions, leading to the development of distinct rules and styles. At this time, draw and stud poker were the most common versions, but players’ creativity gradually introduced a new twist—community cards.

This shift paved the way for variants like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. The use of shared community cards transformed the gameplay, adding strategic layers and excitement that previous versions lacked. Texas Hold'em, in particular, stood out for its combination of bluffing, betting, and tactical play, setting the stage for it to become the iconic version we know today.

Robstown, Texas (Early 1900s)

Texas Hold'em originated in Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900s. Players there were inspired by these early community card games and developed a version that used two personal “hole” cards and five community cards. In 2007, the Texas state legislature officially recognised Robstown as the birthplace of the game, cementing its status in poker folklore.

However, there’s little concrete evidence to prove it. It’s a story that feels more like a nod to tradition than fact, something poker enthusiasts have embraced over the years.

Why Robstown?

In the early 20th century, Texas was known for its vibrant gambling culture. Card games were a common pastime. According to legend, Robstown was a bustling spot for gamblers and card enthusiasts—a perfect breeding ground for poker innovation.

Alternative Theories

If we dig a little deeper, we uncover other intriguing stories that paint different pictures of the game’s beginnings:

T. Blondie Forbes

Poker Legends’ Accounts

The stories don’t stop there. Icons like Johnny Moss and Doyle Brunson add their own memories to the mix. Moss, a three-time WSOP champion, recalled first encountering the game in 1926 in Dallas—a city buzzing with high-stakes poker. On the other hand, Doyle Brunson, another legend of the game, remembers playing a version called “Hold Me Darling” in the 1950s in Waco. Brunson’s account highlights the game’s evolution, showing how Texas Hold'em started under different names and spread across the state before becoming the standard it is today.

Evolution of the Game’s Name and Terminology

Back in the day, Texas Hold'em went by a few different names—some called it “Hold Me Darling” or even “Tennessee Hold Me.” A 1968 article in Life magazine mentioned these variations before the game’s name was finalised as “Texas Hold'em.” This shows how the game evolved as it spread across the country.

The name “Hold'em” reflects how players hold onto their two initial cards, or “hole cards,” while community cards are dealt. Adding “Texas” ties it back to its roots, solidifying the connection to its supposed birthplace.

Understanding 'The Flop, Turn, and River': Origins of the Terms

These terms in Texas Hold'em—flop, turn, and river—are integral to the game, but their origins have interesting stories tied to them:

The Flop:

This term refers to the first three community cards dealt face-up on the table. It’s believed that "flop" was chosen because of the physical action of the dealer flipping the cards onto the felt. The sound or the visual of the cards landing flat might have inspired this name.

The Turn:

The fourth community card is called the turn. The term might have originated from the idea that this card often "turns" the direction of the game, dramatically changing players' strategies. It’s a pivotal moment, where the stakes increase, and players adjust their approaches based on this additional information.

The River:

The origin of "river" is the most debated. One theory suggests that it comes from old poker term, where cheating gamblers used to pull the final card from the bottom of the deck, often referred to as "rivering" the deck. If a cheater got caught, they were metaphorically "up the river" (in trouble).

Another possibility is that "river" symbolises the last chance or “crossing the river,” where players must make final decisions as the last community card is dealt.

The Game’s Rise in Popularity

So, why did Texas Hold'em become the most popular variant? It comes down to a few key factors:

Community Cards	Multiple Betting Round
Unlike draw or stud poker, Texas Hold'em uses community cards, creating more dynamic gameplay. Players share the same set of cards, which opens up opportunities for bluffing and strategic decision-making.	Texas Hold'em has four betting rounds (pre-flop, flop, turn, and river) instead of just two. This allows for more action, making each hand feel like a journey where players must adapt their poker strategy based on the new cards revealed and the bets placed by opponents.

These elements transformed Texas Hold'em into a game of skill, deception, and adaptability. Knowing when to bet big, when to bluff, and when to fold is a nuanced challenge that attracts players seeking depth beyond pure luck. This level of complexity and the potential for outsmarting opponents keep the game exciting, drawing both casual and professional players alike.

Las Vegas and the WSOP

The big break came in the 1960s when casino mogul Benny Binion introduced Texas Hold'em to Las Vegas. By featuring it in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 1970, he helped catapult the game into the spotlight. The WSOP brought Texas Hold'em to the world stage, and it’s been the focal point of professional poker ever since.

Global Expansion

Television coverage, including shows like the World Poker Tour and ESPN’s WSOP broadcasts, brought the game into living rooms worldwide, introducing a new generation of players to its depth and excitement. The “Moneymaker Effect” in 2003, when amateur player Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event, further fueled the game’s popularity, showing that anyone with skill and courage could make it big.

As a result, Texas Hold'em became the most popular poker variant.

Texas Hold'em Today: Dominance and Cultural Influence

Texas Hold'em isn’t just a game; it’s a global phenomenon that has woven itself into the fabric of popular culture. From live tournaments to online platforms, Texas Hold'em remains the most popular poker variant worldwide, capturing the attention of millions of players, celebrities, and viewers. But how did it become such an influential force, and why does it continue to thrive today?

Unmatched Popularity in Live Poker

WSOP Dominance: The World Series of Poker (WSOP) showcases the enduring appeal of Texas Hold'em. In 2023, the WSOP Main Event attracted a record-breaking 10,043 players, demonstrating that the game’s popularity is still on the rise. The event’s $12.1 million prize for the winner illustrates the high stakes and prestige associated with Texas Hold'em, drawing players from around the world who seek the thrill and glory of becoming a champion.
Other Global Events: The WSOP isn’t the only venue where Texas Hold'em shines. Major tournaments like the European Poker Tour (EPT), the Asian Poker Tour (APT), and the World Poker Tour (WPT) all feature Texas Hold'em as their flagship game, with thousands of players competing for multi-million-dollar prize pools

The Rise of Online Poker

Accessibility and Growth: Online poker sites have made Texas Hold'em accessible to millions globally. The convenience of playing from home, combined with mobile compatibility, allows players to join cash games and tournaments anytime, anywhere. The online poker industry, currently valued at around $59.4 billion, is expected to grow significantly, reaching over $155 billion by 2030
WSOP Online: The digital expansion of the WSOP through online platforms has introduced Texas Hold'em to an even broader audience. Events like the WSOP Online GGMillion$ regularly attract thousands of entries and award millions in prize money, showcasing the game’s adaptability to modern, digital audiences

Cultural Impact and Media Presence

Television and Streaming: Texas Hold'em has become a mainstay on television, with events broadcast on major networks like ESPN and PokerGO. The use of hole-card cameras has made it engaging for viewers, who can follow players’ strategies and bluffs as the action unfolds. Beyond traditional television, platforms like Twitch and YouTube feature poker influencers and content creators who stream Texas Hold'em games live, attracting millions of viewers and building a dedicated online community
Celebrity Influence and Pop Culture: Texas Hold'em has captured the imagination of celebrities and everyday players alike. Celebrities such as Ben Affleck, Tobey Maguire, and Jennifer Tilly have participated in major tournaments, bringing glamour and visibility to the game. Poker movies like Rounders and television shows like High Stakes Poker have further embedded Texas Hold'em into popular culture, depicting it as the ultimate test of wits and skill

The Moneymaker Effect and its Legacy

The “Moneymaker Effect” from 2003, when amateur player Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event after qualifying through a low-cost online satellite, transformed Texas Hold'em from a niche poker variant into a global sensation. This win showed millions that anyone, with the right skill and a little luck, could compete with the best. The impact of this event continues to drive players to online and live poker tables today, solidifying Texas Hold'em’s place as the go-to poker game for amateurs and pros alike

Conclusion

Texas Hold'em’s journey from its debated origins to the global stage is a tale of evolution, tradition, and transformation. From small Texas towns to high-stakes Las Vegas tournaments, the game has become a defining part of poker history.

Whether you’re a casual player or a professional, Texas Hold'em offers a challenge and thrill that’s hard to beat. Its mix of strategy, bluffing, and excitement has made it the ultimate poker game, one that’s sure to remain a favourite for generations.

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Emily Turner Content Writer

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Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.