Where did the terms flop, turn and river originate?

[Big Bend]

Curious why we call the 3 deals of a holdem hand the flop turn and river. Ok flop I can understand maybe cause we're "flopping" the first cards on the table.. but turn and river make no sense.

Thx.. BB

[eastcoaster]

Texas Hold'em is a variation of 7-stud, believe it or not, and the terms 'turn' and 'river' originate from there; I believe.

7-card stud, used to also go by the name of 'down the river' and all of the betting rounds are known as streets. You start at third street and go 'down the river', with 6th street being known as 'the turn'. I am not 100% sure why they call it 'the turn' but I have read that it might be because this is typically when most people's thinking begins to change, or turn. The reason for this is because each player has 6 cards at that point, 4 of which are turned up; and can better misrepresent a made hand, have a made hand or have a made hand that has improved.

If someone else has more or different information than this, by all means go ahead and correct me.

[Javanewt]

I heard on WSOP coverage that the turn used to be called the river and vice versa. Not sure if it's true.

[phydaux]

No, the Flop used to be called the Turn, and the Turn & River were just 4th Street and 5th Street.

[mattw]

[ QUOTE ]
No, the Flop used to be called the Turn, and the Turn & River were just 4th Street and 5th Street.

[/ QUOTE ]

this is true. in brunson's super system, first ed., in his NL chapter, he sometimes calls the flop the turn. kinda confusing.