The Early Days of Poker

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” ~ Stephen Hawking

Mystery shrouds when Texas No-Limit Hold’em was invented, however it is thought to have started in the early 1900’s in Robstown Texas.
 
It gained traction when the early pioneers such as Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Johnny Moss and Bobby Baldwin played it.   These men had to learn the game relying on their knowledge of human behavior, intuition, tells, basic math skills, and table experience.   
 
There were no books, no internet, no courses, no training, no YouTube video’s, no hole cams, and no easy access to play.  At times these trail blazers would drive long distances just to get into a game.  Many of those games were in the back rooms of shady places.  Poker players were looked down upon.  There was little respect for them in regular society. 
 
When they won money, they would still have to avoid being robbed or beaten.  Their sheer passion and force of will helped them to become excellent players. It was truly a time of the Wild West in the poker world. 
 
The first World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event was in 1970 with only 7 entrants.  Johnny Moss was the winner.   Poker has grown exponentially since.

Stay tuned!

Chuck