If you’re a poker aficionado, you may have heard of legendary stories about poker games that lasted for days or even weeks. But have you ever wondered what the longest running poker game in history was In this article, we’ll explore just that and take a closer look at the fascinating world of high-stakes poker.
First, let’s define what we mean by “longest running.” We’re talking about continuous play with no breaks or pauses. So, while there have been some marathon poker sessions that took place over several days but included breaks for sleep and meals, those don’t count as the longest running games.
Now, onto the main event. The longest running poker game in history is said to have taken place in the basement of The Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona.
The game reportedly started in 1881 and lasted for eight years straight! That’s right – eight years of non-stop poker playing.
The Bird Cage Theatre was a popular spot for gamblers and outlaws during the Wild West era. It was known for its rowdy atmosphere and high-stakes games. According to historical accounts, the game at The Bird Cage attracted some of the biggest names in Old West lore, including Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.
So how did this game manage to last for eight years without any breaks Well, it wasn’t always played by the same group of people. Players would come and go over time, but there were always enough people interested in playing to keep the game going.
The stakes were also incredibly high. Players would often bet their entire life savings on a single hand.
Some even put up their businesses or properties as collateral. It’s rumored that one player lost $250,000 (equivalent to millions today) in a single night at The Bird Cage.
But despite all the money changing hands and intense competition between players, the game remained surprisingly civil. There were no reported incidents of violence or cheating during the eight-year run.
In fact, the only reason the game eventually came to an end was because The Bird Cage Theatre closed its doors in 1889. The poker table and chairs were left intact, as if waiting for the players to return.
So, there you have it – the longest running poker game in history lasted for eight years straight at The Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of poker and the incredible lengths that some people will go to in order to win big.
If you’re feeling inspired to try your luck at a high-stakes game yourself, just remember to gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose. And who knows – maybe one day your name will go down in history alongside Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp as a legendary poker player.
