Texas Hold’em is a form of the card game Poker. Poker originated in the somewhere as early as the Renaissance period of the 14th century up until as late as the 19th century. The origins of the classic game of Poker are under dispute with there being a number of divergent views regarding the origins of the game and its first players. Similar games existed in the Renaissance period of 14th-17th centuries. The origin of the word 'Poker' actually being derived from the German term 'pochen', which is translated as "to knock."

French settlers were the first to play Poker in the USA, which was in New Orleans around 1830. It is thought that they picked it up from Persian traders, as it has many common aspects with the 16th century Persian card game As Nas. The popularity of Poker meant that it quickly spread throughout the USA, along the transport routes of the rivers and railroads. It became especially popular game amongst the cowboys in the Wild West.

Texas Holdem, or Hold'em as it is commonly known, is today one of the most popular versions of Poker in the world. Although nobody is really sure where this version was first played, it seems clear that Texas was its state of origin. It is reported that it was first played in Robstown in the 1900s and that it spread to Dallas in 1925. Texas Holdem has enjoyed widespread recognition ever since.

Texas Hold’em was a variation of poker that developed from the game of seven-card stud. It is one of a number of games that used community cards which were dealt face up on the table and could be used by all players to build their respective poker hands. One of the first such community card games was termed ‘wild widow’ and this gave rise to usage of the word ‘widow’ to describe the common cards on the table that are available to all.

The popularity of Texas Holdem was widely increased in 1970, when the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino was opened in Las Vegas by Benny Binion. Binion decided to take over a small invitational Poker tournament from Riverside Casino's Tom Morehead. This became what is now known as the World Series of poker and the game of choice was Texas Holdem.

Binion focused on the gambling element of the game by devising the idea of rapidly increasing antes and blinds, so that a winner could be produced within a relatively short space of time. This fast paced form of the game started in 1972 with only eight players taking part in the beginnings of what would become known as the world series of poker tournament. Thirty years later the popularity if the game had increased, so that what was originally only eight players had increased to 800. This annual tournament is now recognised as the most important in the world. Recently the increasing popularity of televised tournaments means that Texas Holdem has become a part of mainstream television.

Additionally, through modern innovations in technology, Texas Holdem Poker has branched off in new directions. Games can now be played directly through the internet, or even on a cell phone! The game's simplicity and huge entertainment value have contributed to its popularity, which shows no sign of decrease. Texas Holdem is clearly the most famous Poker game in the world.

Texas Hold'em Poker - just a great way to have an awesome party.