What are the Most Popular Types of Poker?

Poker is one of the most popular table card games. Over the years, the game changed a lot and plenty of variations occurred.

Nowadays, bettors can find many poker variations that feature different rules and gameplay, which can provide an amazing experience for the players. The main goal of this article will be to help bettors understand what the different types of poker can offer, and which one should each player pick for their poker journey.

Texas Hold'em

Starting out with Texas Hold’em, which is the most popular variation of the game. Each player is dealt two private cards, and then five community cards are dealt during three betting rounds.

• Players should make the best five-card combination of their private cards and community cards.
• The card rankings for Texas Hold’em are standard for poker, starting with a high card, and going all the way to a royal flush.
• Texas Hold'em can be played in a variety of formats, including No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit.

Omaha Hi

Omaha Hi is another entertaining online poker variant that introduces players to fantastic winning opportunities. Omaha poker online features the same gameplay as Texas Hold’em. However, four hole cards are dealt instead of two in Texas Hold’em. But as Texas Hold’em, you’ll need to create a five-card poker hand with two hole cards and only three community cards out of the five dealt.

Here’s why you should always favor Omaha Hi at an online casino. Because you’ll receive more cards at the beginning of each hand, making a 5-card combination is much easier. But on the flip side, finding Omaha Hi online poker tables isn’t as easy as finding Texas Hold’em tables. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent choice for beginners.

Omaha Hi-Lo

This online poker variant is similar to Omaha Hi in most aspects, just that the pot is shared equally between the highest and lowest-ranked 5-card poker hands. But don’t just aim for the lowest-ranked hand because certain conditions apply before being awarded the pot. For example, all the five cards in the “low” hand must rank eight or lower hence the name Omaha 8 or Better.

Because gamers must think beyond just creating a 5-card poker hand, Omaha Hi-Lo is a bit complex for beginners. But once you learn the ropes around this poker game, Omaha Hi-Lo is one of the best variations to play. Remember, the highest “low” qualifying poker hand combination is 4-5-6-7-8. A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest.

Seven Card Stud

Seven Card Stud is one of the oldest types of poker games in casinos. Players are dealt with seven cards, three of which are faced down and four faced up.

To win the pot, the player must make the best possible five-card combination using all seven cards. Seven Card Stud is typically played in a Fixed-Limit format.

Jacks or Better

Evidence has it that Jacks of Better started the video poker industry. But despite other new variations in the industry, Jacks or Better has managed to stay in the hearts of many poker players. That’s because its top player return rate of 99.5% is one of the highest. However, you’ll only enjoy this payout while using an optimal strategy and playing at specific tables.

To play, you’ll be dealt five cards, after which you decide ones to keep or discard before drawing new cards. Just think of it as a five-card draw, as discussed in other variants above. But as mentioned, winning a Jacks or Better hand heavily relies on your strategy and a bit of luck. For example, you can draw three cards if your hand has a pair and four if you have a single high card.

Deuces Wild

Think you’ve seen it all with Jacks or Better? Deuces Wild offers players even a lower RTP at 99.75%. This poker variation uses a 52-card deck with deuces (2s) playing as wilds. In slot machines, wilds substitute all other standard symbols on the reels, which happens in this poker variation. If this happens, creating a winning hand is easier than in other poker variations.

Playing Deuces Wild is also very easy. Begin by placing a bet, and then you’ll be dealt five cards. You can hold or dispose of all the five cards and get new ones as you seek to create a winning hand. But always remember to play this poker game on full paytables to enjoy better payouts. All in all, it’s one of the most exciting and highly interactive poker variants around.

Razz

Razz is another very popular variation of poker, which is quite similar to the Seven Card Stud. Here, the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Aces are always low in Razz, and straights and flushes do not count against a player's hand.

Draw Poker

Draw poker is one of the most entertaining variations of online poker, in which each bettor is drawn five cards. The player can discard any of his five cards and get a new one from the dealer.

This variation is usually played by more experienced players as it’s hard to master, considering the fact, most of the cards are not visible to bettors.

Other Popular Types of Poker Games

There are many other types of poker games at casinos which are not that popular. Some of these include:

• Pineapple: A variation of Texas Hold'em where players receive three private cards instead of two and must discard one after the flop.
• Chinese Poker: Chinese poker is a variation in which each player is dealt thirteen cards. Those cards have to be arranged into three different hands.
• Badug Poker: Badugi is a poker variation in which players have to make the lowest possible four-card hand. It should not include pairs of cards from the same suit.

How to Pick the Best Variation of Poker

It may be hard for some beginner poker players to select which poker variation to play, considering the wide variety. A great way for players to pick the best variation of poker is to take into account their preferences.

If action and bluffing are the things that sound exciting, Texas Hold'em or Omaha might be the best choices for the player. On the other hand, if the player prefers a more strategic game that requires careful observation of opponents, Seven Card Stud or Razz might be better.

Another essential thing to consider when picking the best poker table, is for the player to set his limits, as every table is different. Setting win and loss limits, also setting a budget for each poker session, can be of big importance.

Overall, it’s best for each player to try out a few variations and continue with the one that fits him the most.

In Summary

Nowadays, players can find a lot of different poker variations online, but each has its own rules and gameplay, so each player should pick what suits him the most. No matter if the player prefers the fast-paced action of Texas Hold'em or the more strategic approach of Seven Card Stud, there is a poker game out there for everyone.