Mr Johnson’s bullish approach has contrasted with that of his more reticent predecessor Theresa May, and Patrick Nally, founder of the International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP), said it indicated the former London Mayor’s willingness to adopt classic poker tactics in his face-off with the EU. Mr Nally – who last year told Express.co.uk Mrs May should think like a poker player in order to come out on top in Brexit negotiations – suggested Mr Johnson was doing precisely that.

He told this website: “Boris is definitely playing poker here.

“It’s all about bluffing and they don’t know what he’s got in his hand.

“It’s making them feel like he’s got a better hand than they have – and perhaps he has.

“The fact is, somebody’s got to blink first here.

“The EU can’t leave it until the 11th hour and Boris is well aware of what’s going on, make no mistake.”

Mr Nally, who has met Mr Johnson on several occasions, added: “He seems to be of the mindset that he’s got a strong hand to play.

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“I don’t know if he plays the game, but from what I’ve seen I’m quite sure he’d make a good quality poker player because he’s playing like he’s holding all the best cards.”

Mr Nally, who last year told Express.co.uk he would be happy to give Mrs May poker lessons from free, which he said would make it easier to deal with Brussels, added: “It’s all a huge contrast with her.

“Everybody knew how she was going to play her hand at all times – she was totally predictable and readable.

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“The thing about Boris is he plays the clown rather than being the clown.

“I’ve said to people in the past if they haven’t come into contact with him, they shouldn’t make judgements too quickly.”

Poker is now regarded as a sport, and Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt, Richard Nixon and Barack Obama were all keen players.

Mr Obama has revealed he carries a “lucky poker chip” given to him by a voter while campaigning for re-election in 2007.

Speaking last year, Mr Nally said: “The reason why I got involved with poker was because I met the head of Harvard Law School.

“He told me that in order to teach law at Harvard, you needed to be able to play.

“He reminded me that a number of US Presidents talked about poker and used poker skills to negotiate in military and high-stress situations.”

Poker dates back to the early 19th century in the United States, since which it has developed into a number of different versions.

The 50th World Series of Poker was held in Las Vegas in July.

Overall champion Hossein Ensan walked away with a cool $10,000,000.

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