We celebrate National Poker Day on April 19, and we are getting ready to shuffle our cards and cut the deck. Playing poker is a great way to spend time with your family without having to talk or go on a big outing. Nothing beats a slow-paced game of cards for unwinding while having fun. You can also spice things up by playing for higher stakes with friends. Put your skills to the ultimate test and get rewards for your expertise. Claim tournament prizes or simply enjoy bragging rights among your peers.
History of National Poker Day
Poker is a family of card games in which players take a bet on which is the best according to the rules of the game in ways similar to the rankings. The earliest forms used only 20 cards, now it is typically played with a standard deck, though nations with short packs may use 32, 40, or 48 cards. While the historical roots of poker are unknown, many game scholars point to the French game ‘poque’ and the Persian game ‘As-Nas’ as possible forerunners. However, gaming historians such as David Parlett began to challenge the notion that poker is a direct descendant of As-Nas in the 1990s.Poker has grown in popularity since the early 20th century, progressing from being primarily a leisure sport limited to small groups of enthusiasts to a widely popular activity for both spectators and participants, including online platforms, with professional players and tournament prizes. In contrast to this variation of poker, the seven-card stud first appeared in the mid-nineteenth century and was widely popularized by the U.S. military. Following World War II, it became a fixture in many casinos, and its popularity grew with the introduction of the World Series of Poker in the 1970s.Over the next few decades, Texas Hold ’em and other community card games came to dominate the gambling scene. Poker television was a particularly strong influence in increasing the game’s popularity around the turn of the century, resulting in the poker boom a few years later. Today, the game has grown to be a hugely popular pastime all over the world.
National Poker Day timeline
The first decks of playing cards are printed on paper.
In France, the four card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) begin to gain popularity.
Poker, as we know it today, emerges in America as 'poque.’
The largest Poker World Series tournament is held.
National Poker Day FAQs
Is it beneficial to the brain to play cards?
Card games, according to studies, are excellent brain stimulators that promote mental well-being.
What is the purpose of the king of hearts stabbing himself?
Previously, artwork painted onto cards was extremely detailed. Over time, card manufacturers copied these vivid drawings, and certain character details were omitted. This explains why the king of hearts appears to be stabbing himself in the head when he isn’t.
Is poker a game of skill or chance?
Like all gambling games, luck plays a significant role in poker, particularly in the short term. On the other hand, poker is unlike any other form of gambling. Poker, unlike the other games on a casino floor, is a game of skill, and the world’s top professionals make money because they are the best players in the game.
National Poker Day Activities
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Take part in a game
What else are you supposed to do on National Poker Day? Gather your friends, deal the cards, and keep an eye out for sideways glances at your hand.
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Play a virtual tournament
If you don't have a deck of cards, you can play one of the thousands of card games available online. Conquer the virtual world with style.
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Unleash your creativity
You can always interpret playing cards differently and have some fun. Build a card house or invent your own card game.
5 Fun Facts About Playing Cards
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Red is for luck
When playing poker, many Chinese players wear at least one red item for good luck.
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Superstition plays a part
Some superstitious poker players play poker in filthy clothes for good luck.
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Cards as a covert weapon
During WWII, the U.S. government collaborated with a well-known card company to create special secret card decks for American prisoners of war.
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The stakes are high
Casinos have extremely high-security measures in place to protect the cards they use, requiring sign-offs before the deck is reshuffled.
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The ace of spades
The United States Playing Card Company is the world's largest manufacturer of playing cards.
Why We Love National Poker Day
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It’s simple fun
We love how a single deck of 52 cards can lead to complex games that keep us entertained for hours. Even playing card games by yourself is a fun way to pass the time.
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Spending time with family
Playing cards is enjoyable and relaxing, and it can be done indoors with family members. It's a great way to spend time with family that doesn't require much effort.
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It’s a part of history
The cards that we have today evolved. It's difficult to believe these were once completely hand-painted. Although playing cards have changed, we are still essentially using the same decks that were used years ago.
National Poker Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 19 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 19 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 19 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 19 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 19 | Monday |
