The game of poker is said to be one of the oldest games of skills known to man. Some historians date it as early as the 2nd century, and its country of origin to be China. In China, at that time people were playing a game very similar to poker called Xiangqi. Yet others think that poker (played very similar to what we know today) originated in India around 6th century where it was played as Chataranga (in Sanskrit).

Mention about the game was found at the same time in Persia where it was known by the name of Shatranj (very similar to the Indian name, Chataranga). Documented evidence of the game is found around the 7th century where there is clear mention about the description of the poker pieces – though not exactly as we know them today. First the game spread across Asia; in Japan it was called Shogi, in China Xiangqi, and in Persia Shatranj.

In the mid 9th century the poker game navigated to Europe, most like through invasions by Persian and other Moslem armies. There the name of the poker had been altered to Shah (King in Persian) alluding to the game rules, as we know them today. By 10th century the game of poker was well known all over Europe.

From Europe the poker went n to conquer new worlds, this time America – carried around by the sea-faring Vikings of Scandinavia around 1100 AD. The game was received exceptionally well wherever it went and very soon it covered the whole world. The modern poker pieces, as they are used today, are traced to the 18th century. They were designed and manufactured by Staunton who was himself a poker master.

The first documented poker tournament was held in the year 1851 at London and Adolf Anderssen, a German national, won it. This was however, an unofficial tournament and hence there was no title or any reward. Andersen was beaten by Paul Morphy (an American citizen) a little later. The first official tournament took place in London in 1856. This time Steinitz who was a Chechoslovanian national won it. Although third in the line, Steinitz entered the annals of the history as the first official champion of a poker tournament. He kept the title for four decades, till 1894 when Emanuel Lasker beat him.

In 1921 Jose Casablanca who is considered one of the best ever poker players in the world, took the title form Emanuel. Two other share the honor if being know as the best ever players, i.e. Bobby Fischer and Morphy. Fischer became a world champion at the tender age of only 14! He was the first American to claim the title.

Excellent players from Russia dominated the 19th century period. Anatoli Karpov and Gary Kasparov became world champions at the same time by a peculiar quirk of fate. The mantle was recently passed over to Vishv Anand, an Indian national. This is a very brief outline of the history of poker, just sufficient to follow the thread from the beginning to the present. However, the game and its evolution taken in depth can fill up volumes.