Final answer:
Poker most directly traces its roots to 17th century France with the game 'Poque,' following a history that connects various card games across different cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The game of poker is believed to have origins that date back nearly a thousand years, crossing several continents and cultures. Some historians suggest that poker's roots can be traced back to a 10th-century Chinese emperor who played a domino-card game, while others claim it is a descendent of the Persian card game “As Nas” from the 16th century. However, the version of poker most akin to what is played today began to take shape in the 17th century in France. Named “Poque,” it was based on the Spanish game “Primero” and it included bluffing and betting high stakes on poor cards.
In summary, while the game has evolved and been influenced by various card games from different cultures, the direct ancestor of today's poker, most likely originated in France.