Poker takes its
name from the French poque for a similar card game, although the rules of
the Persian game As Nas (played with five cards) and poque (played
with three cards) were combined to create America's characteristic gambling
game. The game is mentioned as early as 1834 and probably dates back even
further.
Good poker players
never reveal the contents of their hands with a joyous or a disappointed
expression. The American term poker face for their deadpan expression
has been around as long as the game and has been used for almost as long in
different contexts.