Poker stands as one of the most enduring and diverse card games in the gambling landscape. While Texas Hold’em often grabs the spotlight, there’s a rich variety of poker variants that offer unique rules, strategies, and experiences. Whether you’re a casual player looking for something new or an enthusiast seeking to deepen your understanding, learning about different poker games can enhance your enjoyment and skills at the table.
For those exploring online options, there are numerous platforms offering a wide selection of poker titles. Some sites, like casinos not on gamstop, provide access to poker variants that may not be available on mainstream UK-licensed platforms, giving players even more choice.
This article will guide you through the most popular and intriguing poker games, explaining their rules, gameplay differences, and what makes each variant special.
Classic Poker Variants
The term “poker” encompasses a broad family of games, but a handful of variants have stood the test of time and remain widely played both online and in casinos around the globe.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is arguably the most popular form of poker worldwide. It’s the main event at most major tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two private cards (known as “hole cards”). Five community cards are then dealt face-up in the center of the table in three stages: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the river (one card). Players use any combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best five-card hand.
Betting occurs in four rounds: pre-flop, post-flop, after the turn, and after the river. The game’s appeal lies in its blend of luck, psychology, and skillful betting.
Omaha
Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em but with a key twist: each player receives four hole cards instead of two. However, players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three of the five community cards to make their hand.
The most common version is Omaha Hi, Where the highest hand wins. There’s also Omaha Hi-Lo (or Omaha Eight or Better), where the pot is split between the highest and lowest qualifying hands. Omaha’s rules create more possibilities for strong hands and encourage a different strategic approach compared to Texas Hold’em.
Seven Card Stud
Before Texas Hold’em rose to prominence, Seven Card Stud was the poker game of choice in many casinos and home games. In this variant, there are no community cards. Each player receives seven cards (three face-down, four face-up) over several betting rounds, and must make the best five-card hand from their own cards.
Seven Card Stud rewards careful observation, as players can see a portion of each opponent’s hand. This variant is less reliant on bluffing and more on memory and deduction.
Less Common Poker Variants
Beyond the classic games, numerous other poker variants offer fresh challenges and entertainment. These games may be less familiar but are well worth exploring.
Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is one of the simplest and oldest forms of poker. Each player is dealt five private cards, and after a round of betting, they may discard and replace any number of cards in an attempt to improve their hand. A final round of betting follows, and the best five-card hand wins.
This variant is often played in home games due to its straightforward rules. It’s a great introduction to poker for beginners and offers a nostalgic feel for seasoned players.
Razz
Razz is a lowball version of Seven Card Stud. The goal in Razz is to make the lowest possible five-card hand, with straights and flushes not counting against you. The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, known as the “wheel.”
Razz requires a different mindset, as hands that would be weak in other games become premium here. It’s a favorite among players who enjoy a twist on traditional poker strategy.
Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple
Pineapple poker is a Hold’em-style game where players receive three hole cards instead of two. In standard Pineapple, one hole card is discarded before the flop. In Crazy Pineapple, the discard happens after the flop is revealed, opening up more opportunities for creative play.
These variants introduce more action and decision-making, making them popular in casual and home game settings.
Stud Hi-Lo (Eight or Better)
Stud Hi-Lo is a split-pot game derived from Seven Card Stud. The pot is divided between the highest and lowest qualifying hands, with the “eight or better” rule requiring the low hand to consist of cards ranked eight or lower.
This format adds complexity and excitement, as players may aim to “scoop” both halves of the pot with a hand that qualifies as both high and low.
Community Card Poker Variants
Community card poker games are those where players share some cards dealt face-up in the center of the table. Texas Hold’em and Omaha are the most famous, but there are other creative takes on this format.
Short Deck Hold’em (Six Plus Hold’em)
Short Deck Hold’em is a newer variant gaining popularity in high-stakes circles. It uses a 36-card deck, removing all cards below six. The hand rankings are slightly altered (for example, a flush beats a full house), and the game plays similarly to Texas Hold’em but with more action and stronger hands appearing more frequently.
The reduced deck size increases the odds of making big hands, leading to faster-paced and more aggressive gameplay.
Double Flop Hold’em
In Double Flop Hold’em, two sets of community cards (two flops, turns, and rivers) are dealt. Players use their hole cards with either or both sets of community cards to make the best hand. The pot can be split between the winners of each board or awarded to the best overall hand, depending on the house rules.
This variant adds complexity and excitement, as players must track two boards at once.
Lowball Poker Games
Lowball poker games flip the traditional hand rankings, rewarding the lowest hand rather than the highest. These games are less common but provide a refreshing change of pace.
Deuce to Seven Triple Draw
In Deuce to Seven Triple Draw, players aim to make the lowest possible hand, with the ideal being 2-3-4-5-7 (with no flush). Each player is dealt five cards and has three opportunities to draw new cards, discarding as many as they like each round. There are four betting rounds in total.
This game emphasizes drawing strategy and hand reading, offering a distinct challenge from high-hand poker games.
Ace to Five Lowball
Ace to Five Lowball is another draw poker variant where the best hand is A-2-3-4-5. Unlike Deuce to Seven, straights and flushes do not count against you. This game is often played as a single draw or triple draw variant.
Lowball games are popular among players seeking a mental shift from standard poker and are often featured in mixed-game tournaments.
Mixed Poker Games
Mixed games combine multiple poker variants into a single session, rotating through different formats after a set number of hands or time period. These games test a player’s versatility and adaptability.
HORSE
Horse is an acronym for a rotation of five games: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Eight or Better. Each game is played for a set number of hands before moving on to the next. HORSE is a staple in high-level tournaments and home games alike.
Playing HORSE requires mastery of several poker formats and the ability to quickly switch strategies.
8-Game Mix
The 8-Game Mix is an even more comprehensive rotation, including Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Deuce to Seven Triple Draw. This format is seen as the ultimate test of all-around poker skill.
Mixed games are ideal for experienced players who want to avoid monotony and showcase their range of abilities.
Poker Games for Social Play
While many poker variants are played competitively, some are especially suited for casual, social settings. These games often have creative rules and encourage a relaxed atmosphere.
- Follow the Queen: A Seven Card Stud variant where wild cards are determined by the appearance of a queen face-up.
- Guts: A simple game where each player receives a few cards, and those who stay in after the betting showdown for the pot.
- Strip Poker: Played purely for fun, this game uses standard poker rules but with clothing as the stakes.
These variants are perfect for home games and parties, offering entertainment beyond traditional poker strategy.
Online Poker and Accessibility
The rise of online poker has made it easier than ever to try out different poker games. Most major online platforms offer a range of variants, from classics like Texas Hold’em and Omaha to less common games like Razz and Triple Draw.
For players seeking alternatives to mainstream