Texas Hold'em is doubtlessly the most popular poker variation of today. The game itself is a derivative of 7 Card Stud and while there is no conclusive evidence about where the game originated, most historians hold that - predictably - it was born in Texas. An early version of Texas Hold'em was played in Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900's. Following this, the game spread to Dallas in the 1920's and became a saloon favorite among hard drinking cowboys, miners and residents in the US southwest. Many believe that the game was developed to entice new players to the tables since it is easier to learn and play than other forms of poker. During its early years the game was known as 'Devil's River' and 'Styx' in others. This is the reason the final card in a game of Texas Hold'em is known as "the river."  At one point in the 1920s the government tried to outlaw the game, but avid gamblers protested convincingly enough that the ban was lifted as quickly as it was placed.

It wasn't until 1971 that Texas Hold'em was selected as the game to determine the victor of the World Series of Poker. The popularity of the game spread, though it would take another 30 years for it to replace games like 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud and Omaha as the dominate form of poker.

Today is it played in online and live casinos around the world and is the featured game in events like the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour.

Learn how to play Texas Hold'em.