Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world. It is believed that poker was invented in China around 600 AD, although some believe it may be older. The game was first documented by a French sailor, Jaques Coustou, in 1762. The modern form of poker originated in America in the 1800s.
There are several theories as to how poker was first played in America. One theory suggests that Native Americans were playing a game similar to poker when the Europeans arrived, and the Europeans adapted the game to their own culture and rules. Another theory suggests that a French soldier stationed in America during the Revolutionary War developed the game from an Italian game called tarocchi. Regardless of its origin, poker quickly became popular in America and has since been played throughout the world.
