Why is 4 of a kind called a poker?

[cianosheehan]

Was there one stage where it was believed that was the best hand possible, then someone realised the Straight flush possibility?

[Chairman Wood]

I've never heard it called that before.

[miajag81]

I've never heard of this either. Maybe it's just an Irish thing?

[stigmata]

I never heard of this either, but if you search google, then this definition certainly exists:

3. Four of a kind
"Four cards of the same rank - such as four queens. The fifth card can be anything. This combination is sometimes known as "quads", and in some parts of Europe it is called a "poker", though this term for it is unknown in English."

I can't find a reason for 4-of-a-kind being called "a poker", but I think the fact that it is only used in continental europe (where the game originated) would suggest that your theory may be correct.

[nicky g]

I think it used to be the best hand before straights and flushes (and sfs) were added to the game. But maybe not.

[stigmata]

From wikipedia:

"Soon after this spread [across the US], the full 52-card English deck was used, and the flush was introduced. During the American Civil War, many additions were made, including draw poker, stud poker (the five-card variant), and the straight."

Also the persian game "As Nas" (from which poker originated) does not feature straight/flushes.

It would seem that it was called "A Poker" in europe, before the game reached the US, and straights/flushes were then added, and the term "Poker" was dropped for 4-of-a-kind.

[cianosheehan]

Strange that some people had never heard of the term "poker" before in describing quads! I just took it as common knowledge. Yeah, after reading replies I would definately say it was called that before straight flush was determined to be the hardest hand to get.

[jdl22]

Not sure why but in Spanish they say poker to describe four of a kind.

[jakethebake]

[ QUOTE ]
Was there one stage where it was believed that was the best hand possible, then someone realised the Straight flush possibility?

[/ QUOTE ]

Never heard it called that, but yes, four of a kind was originally the best hand. Straights, flushes, and straight flushes didn't come around until later (according to Holden in Big Deal).

[Gabe]

the only place i've heard it called this is in ireland. why do you guys call a 25 euro chip a pony?