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June 14, 2022

Online Poker for Real Money Variations

Emily Thompson
Written byEmily ThompsonWriter
Researched byPriya PatelResearcher
Localised byEthan WilliamsLocaliser

So, which online poker for real money variation do you know? Texas Hold’em or Caribbean Stud? These are indeed the most popular online poker game. But besides these options, there are many other variations that shouldn’t be overlooked at the best online poker sites. You can play Omaha Hi, Omaha Hi-Lo, Spanish 21; you name them. So, in this post, you’ll learn the most common online poker variations and why you should play them.

Online Poker for Real Money Variations

Texas Hold’em Poker Online

This is indeed the most played poker variant at the best online casinos. It’s relatively straightforward to play and features numerous table selections and stakes for players. But don’t let the simplicity deceive you. That’s because some combinations and situations can make Texas Hold’em a bit complex at a higher level.

In Texas Hold’em, each player gets two face-down cards called the hole cards. Then, the action begins with the gamer to the left and continues clockwise. Players can raise, fold, or call. After the first round, three more cards are dealt, called the flop. This is followed by the fourth (turn) and fifth (river) cards. The goal is to make a 5-card poker hand using the five dealt cards out of seven. 

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.

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. 

Conclusion

Hope you’ve already selected an online poker for real money variant to play. If you haven’t, don’t worry because these games aren’t entirely different. Just know the basic poker rules and learn to play using the demo version or casino bonus. Remember, there are many other variations like Chinese Poker, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and many others.

About the author
Priya Patel
Priya Patel

Hailing from New Zealand's picturesque landscapes, Priya Patel is the research dynamo behind OnlineCasinoRank's in-depth insights. Her meticulous approach to data and trends has revolutionized how gamers perceive and navigate the online casino landscape.

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