Poker is popular the world over, but did you know it comes in various guises? That’s right, even though you’ve probably seen people playing Texas Hold’em on TV, there are many more options.
This guide outlines the most popular kinds of poker and how you can get the most out of them when you play online or in a local casino.
Main types of poker
Texas Hold’em is loved the world over, but it’s not the only game in town. Based on activity, entertainment and action, here are 11 of the most popular poker variants:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- Stud
- Draw
- Razz
- Mixed Games
- 6+ Hold’em
- Badugi
- Irish Poker
- Courchevel
- Chinese
A closer look at different poker variants
What are the main types of poker you can play online and live? Well, if you want to sample the best of what poker has to offer, here are 11 variants to feast on…
1. Texas Hold’em
Pros
- More widely available than other kinds of poker
- The ideal type of poker to learn as a beginner
- Texas Hold’em poker tournaments have the biggest prizes
Cons
- The average skill level of Hold’em players is high
Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant. It’s used for every major tournament, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Like all types of poker, the aim is to win pots by making everyone else fold or by having the best five-card hand.
In Texas Hold’em, everyone starts with two hole cards face-down. There are five community cards, and you can use both of your hole cards, one or neither to make a hand. The most popular variant is No Limit Hold’em, which means you can bet any amount above the minimum and up to your entire stack.
2. Omaha
Pros
- The second most popular kind of poker
- More exciting than other types of poker
Cons
- More hand combinations make it volatile
- One of the hardest forms of poker to master
Omaha is a type of poker that takes certain elements of Hold’em and pushes them to the extreme. Players start with four hole cards dealt face-down. As with other kinds of poker, the aim is to make the best five-card hand or get everyone to fold.
Unlike Hold’em where you can play the board, you must use two of your four hole cards. This means you take two of your cards and combine them with three community cards to make a hand. There are certain versions of Omaha with Limit and No Limit betting structures (such as five-card Omaha and eight-Omaha).
However, the dominant variant is Pot Limit Omaha. The fact everyone has four hole cards means your opponents can have many more possible hands than they could in Hold’em. This makes it a much more volatile type of poker than Hold’em, which is something certain players find exciting.
Magic Red sign up offer
100% up to £25 + 25 extra spins
18+ | Min deposit £20. Offer valid on first deposit for 24 hours and applies to new players only. Winnings must be wagered at least 35x. Terms and conditions apply.
SIGN UP
3. Stud
Pros
- Easy poker variant to learn
- Stud is becoming increasingly popular
- Usually played as Limit or Pot Limit, so it’s less risky than some variants
Cons
- Not as much action as other forms of poker
- No community cards so bluffing is harder
Stud is a classic form of poker that’s split into various forms. The main difference between Stud and other types of poker, such as Hold’em and Omaha, is that there aren’t any community cards. Instead, everyone gets dealt a specific number of hole cards from which they need to make a ranked poker hand. This is possible because some cards are dealt face-up and others are dealt face-down.
The most common type of Stud poker involves seven cards (i.e. Seven Card Stud), so let’s use this as an example. In this poker variant, players put in an ante and receive three cards: two face-down and one face-up. Those who stay in the hand receive their fourth, fifth and sixth cards face-up. Finally, the seventh card is dealt face-down. From this, players have to assess their own cards, as well as those on display, to determine the relative value of their hand.
Something else to note in Stud games is that they can be High or High-Low. The difference between High and High-Low games is the way you win pots. In Stud High games, a showdown is won by the strongest hand. In Stud High-Low games, the pot is split between the best high-value hand and the best low-value hand. One player can win both hands, but it’s also possible for two players to split the pot.
4. Razz
Pros
- You can have a big edge if you’re skilled because few players know this game
- Reversing the hand rankings keeps things interesting
Cons
- Not many cash games or MTTs available at the top online poker sites
Razz is a lowball version of Seven Card Stud. Lowball games reverse the hand rankings in poker. The general format of Razz is the same as Seven Card Stud. However, in this game, aces are low, and the best possible hand is A, 2, 3, 4, 5. Straights and flushes don’t count against your hand, but you’re always aiming to make the best low-value hand.
Duelz
£100 bonus + 100 free spins on Book of Dead
18+ new players only. Minimum deposit: £20. Maximum £100 bonus. Max bet with an active bonus: £2. Wagering requirement 100% match bonus: 30 times the sum of the deposit + bonus. Max redeemable from the welcome bonus: £500.
SIGN UP
5. Draw
Pros
- Classic poker variant
- Usually a Limit game, so it’s fairly low risk
- Some knowledge of poker strategy can give you a big edge
Cons
- Bluffing is hard because there are no exposed cards
Draw is one of the oldest types of poker you can play. It was popular with cowboys and its name almost certainly has allusions to the idea of drawing a gun from its holster. Links to the Wild West aside, draw poker is like Stud in that there aren’t any community cards.
The dominant variant is Five Card Draw, but you can find exotic versions in live casinos and online poker sites. In Five Card Draw, everyone puts in an ante to receive five cards dealt face-down. Everyone has the chance to assess their cards and decide whether they want to make another bet and continue.
Those who continue have the opportunity to swap as many or as few cards as they like. A player wins the pot by virtue of being the only one left in the hand or by having the best-ranked five-card hand. Other types of draw poker include 2-7 Triple Draw.
In this game, you start with five cards and can draw three times in an effort to make the weakest hand. 2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball game because you want to avoid high-ranking hands such as straights and flushes. Aces are also high in this variant, which means the best possible hand is 2, 3, 4, 5, 7. As well as 2-7 Triple, you can play 2-7 Single Draw.
6. Mixed Games
Pros
- A true test of poker skill
- Interesting because the variant is always changing
- Biggest cash games in the world use this format
Cons
- Hard to find games
- Often played by highly skilled players
Mixed Games puts different types of poker together. The most popular forms of Mixed Game poker are H.O.R.S.E. and 8-Game Mix. For clarity, the variants involved in these two Mixed Games are:
- H.O.R.S.E. = Hold’em, Omaha High-Low, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better
- 8-Game Mix = Limit 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha Eight-or-Better High-Low, Razz, Limit Seven Card Stud, Limit Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better, No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha.
The fundamental format of all mixed games is the game in the sense that the variant changes after a set number of rounds. For example, a H.O.R.S.E. game could start with five rounds of Hold’em. After five rounds it switches to Omaha High-Low. It then switches to Razz and so on. This ever-changing dynamic not only makes Mixed Games exciting but a true test of skill.
7. 6+ Hold’em
Pros
- Exciting new version of Texas Hold’em
- Everyone posts a pre-flop ante so there’s lots of action
- Removing cards creates more drama
Cons
- Volatile variant
- Hard to find games online
6+ Hold’em, also known as Short Deck Poker, is a new variant that was popularised by high stakes players in Asia. The underlying structure of 6+ Hold’em is the same as its namesake, Texas Hold’em. However, it’s different because all cards lower than a 6 have been removed from the deck. This means it’s technically known as a strip-deck poker variant.
The hand rankings have been adjusted to account for the removal of these cards. Therefore, in 6+ Hold’em, flushes beat full houses because they’re harder to make. Additionally, aces can be wild in certain situations, which means A, 6, 7, 8, 9 is classed as a straight.
Pink Casino bonus
50 Free Spins + 100% match deposit up to £150
18+ BeGambleAware.org, Full T&Cs apply. New player only. 7 days to claim offer and deposit a min of £10 with a further 7 days to wager 35x. Cash stakes only and wagering contributions vary. Max reward £150. 50 wager-free spins 0.10p each on Big Bass Splash awarded after wagering complete, winnings paid as cash. 3 day expiry.
SIGN UP
8. Badugi
Pros
- A nice break from standard poker variants
- Most people don’t know how to play so it can be easier to win
Cons
- Not many games online
- Often played by skilled pros
Badugi is similar to Razz in that you’re aiming to make the lowest value hand. It was first popularised in Asia, but this Draw poker variant is now played around the world. Everyone starts with four cards (dealt face-down) and those who stay in the hand can draw new ones. The best hands in Badugi contain no pairs, low-value cards, and as many different suits as possible.
9. Irish Poker
Pros
- Combines the two most popular types of poker
- Lots of action
Cons
- Mainly a side game so not many Irish Poker tournaments
Irish combines two types of poker: Hold’em and Omaha. The game starts out like Omaha with players receiving four hole cards. Betting ensues before a three-card flop is dealt. It’s at this point players still in the hand must discard two of their hole cards. From this point on the game follows the structure of Texas Hold’em. Irish Poker is often played as a side game because its format is designed to encourage action which, in turn, promotes a jovial atmosphere.
10. Courchevel
Pros
- An exciting take on Omaha
- More hand combos because you have five cards
- Can be played using any betting structure
Cons
- Highly volatile variant
- Games don’t usually run online
Courchevel is a version of Omaha. However, instead of four hole-cards, everyone has five. Everyone gets to keep all five cards, but they can only use two when making a hand. In fact, a player must use exactly two hole-cards in combination with three of the five community cards.
The game can be played as Limit, Pot Limit or No Limit. The observant among you will remember that we’ve already mentioned a variant called Five-Card Omaha. Courchevel is virtually identical to this type of Omaha. The only difference is that the first community card is dealt face-up before the pre-flop betting round begins.
11. Chinese Poker
Pros
- Unusual variant that tests your critical thinking skills
- Points-based system means you can’t lose everything in one hand
Cons
- Not available as an online poker game
You won’t find Chinese Poker offered as a cash game or tournament at your favourite gaming sites. However, if you’ve ever been to a live tournament and observed pros playing cards on a break, they’re probably playing Chinese Poker.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Heads-up is a common format, but up to four people can play at once. Each player receives 13 cards, and the aim is to set those cards into three poker hands (two five-card hands, one three-card hand).
The three-card hand is laid first and must be the weakest of the three hands. The second hand must be the second strongest, and the final hand the strongest. Players get points for each hand they win. The winner is the player with the most points after a predetermined number of rounds.
Mr Vegas
100% up to £200 + 11 wager-free spins
18+ new players only. Min deposit £10. Maximum bonus £200. Any amount over £200 will not form part of the player’s first deposit. Wagering requirement 100% match bonus: 35 times sum of deposit + bonus. Terms and conditions apply.
SIGN UP
How many types of poker are there?
Poker falls into three overarching categories: Stud, Draw and community card poker. Within each category are multiple variants and, in turn, sub-variants. For example, Hold’em is a community card game.
As well as Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em, there are spin-off versions such as 6+ Hold’em and Irish Poker. Therefore, when you take into account all the possible permutations of each category, there are dozens of poker variants.
What is the most popular type of poker?
Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular type of poker you’ll find online or in card rooms around the world. Of all the types of Hold’em, No Limit is the one used most often for cash games and tournaments. For example, the WSOP Main Event, WPT World Championship and PokerStars Players Championship are all No Limit Hold’em tournaments.
What are the main types of poker played at tournaments?
Texas Hold’em is the main variant used for poker tournaments, including online MTTs, Sit & Gos and satellites. However, as poker has become more popular, other variants have been added to the annual tournament calendar. For example, in 2023, PokerGO hosted its first Omaha-only series. Therefore, if you play any major live or online poker festival, you’ll find tournaments covering all the main kinds of poker.
How are different types of poker classified?
Different versions of poker are classified by the way cards are dealt and the betting structure. The main types of poker classifications are:
- Stud
- Draw
- Community Card
- Limit
- Pot Limit
- No Limit
What are the different types of poker according to betting limits?
They way you bet will be determined by the kind of poker you’re playing and one of three systems:
Limit = Bets and raises are limited to the size of the blinds e.g. in a £1/£2 game, bets and raises are made in £2 increments. There will also be a cap on the number of raises you can make per round.
Pot Limit = Bets and raises are limited to the size of the pot. For example, if there’s £20 in the pot, a player can only bet £20 or less.
No Limit = Bets and raises aren’t limited in this type of poker. As long as the bet matches or exceeds the minimum, any amount is valid. The same goes for raises. As long as the raise exceeds the previous biggest bet, a player can commit any amount up to the value of their stack (i.e. going all-in).
What types of poker can you play according to the number of players or table size?
Virtually all forms of poker can be played on these table sizes:
- Full-ring (nine seats at the table)
- Short-handed (six seats at the table)
- Four-max (four seats at the table)
- Three-max (three seats at the table)
- Heads-up (two seats at the table)
What are mixed poker games?
Mixed Games combine two or more types of poker. For example, H.O.R.S.E. combines Hold’em, Omaha High-Low, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better. The variant changes after a predetermined number of rounds. For example, a game might start with three hands of Hold’em before it changes to Omaha High-Low.
What are the best places online to play poker?
The best poker sites can be often defined by the number of variants they offer. Based on this logic, three of the top online poker rooms in the UK are:
PokerStars
For cash games and thousands of weekly poker tournaments, PokerStars is almost unbeatable. New customers can click here and use the PokerStars promo code FIRST200 to get a welcome bonus worth up to £200. Once you’re in the mix, you’ll have endless options. From Hold’em freerolls to high stakes Mixed Games, PokerStars has everything you need and more.
PokerStars
100% match up to £200 + 100 free spins
New casino players only. Min. deposit £20 with code ‘FIRST200’. Debit card (Visa or Mastercard) only. Selected Slots only, 7 day expiry. Wagering requirements apply, 5 redemption points per £1 to clear bonus. Game contributions vary. Maximum bet £5 per round. Terms apply. 18+ Play responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
SIGN UP
Grosvenor Casinos
Grosvenor has a dedicated poker site to go along with its online casino and sportsbook. Newbies who join Grosvenor Poker can get free credits. In addition to poker bonuses and freerolls, Grosvenor customers can play hundreds of Hold’em and Omaha games. What’s also neat about Grosvenor is the fact it has live card rooms across the UK and hosts a tournament series known as the GUKPT.
Grosvenor Casinos
Deposit £20, play with £50
18+. New customers only. Minimum deposit and max bonus apply. Bonus is playable on selected games only. Wagering requirements apply. Full terms and conditions apply.
SIGN UP
MrQ
MrQ is the place to play if you want poker variants outside of the ones we’ve described in this guide. As a popular UK online casino, MrQ gives you access to dozens of table games, including poker variants such as Ultimate Texas Hold’em. These table games pit you against the dealer instead of other players. New customers can click here and sign up for the offer.
MrQ No deposit bonus
Get No Deposit Spins + 30 Free Spins on Your First Deposit with code THESUN35
18+ |First 5 spins: Players who have successfully completed age verification will be credited 5 Free Spins on Starburst 10p per spin, no deposit required, no wagering requirements. Subsequent 30 spins: Min deposit & spend £10. Max 30 spins on Starburst at 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £10. Full T&Cs Apply.
SIGN UP
What’s the house edge for different poker variants?
There isn’t a standard house edge in poker. Because you’re playing against other people and not the house (i.e. a casino), no one has an inherent advantage or disadvantage. This means your results will be determined by a combination of luck and skill.
Luck plays a part in all poker games because the cards are dealt randomly. However, if you’re skilled, you can put yourself in more positive situations than negative ones. Do this enough and, once luck evens out, you should make a profit.
What’s the best poker variant for beginners?
The best poker variant for beginners to learn is Texas Hold’em. Other types of poker, such as Draw, are easy to learn. However, Hold’em is the most widely available variant, which means it’s easier to access. Indeed, with all the best online poker sites offering freerolls, you can practise without spending a penny. What’s more, because Hold’em is so popular, you can find a ton of poker strategy tips online.
What’s the most difficult type of poker?
Mixed Games are probably the most difficult type of poker because the variant is always changing. That means you have to think on your feet. Moreover, you can’t be a specialist in one or two variants. If Mixed Games aren’t the most difficult variants to play, Omaha is because the number of possible hand combinations makes it extremely volatile.
Luckster
100% up to £200 + 100 spins
18+ | New depositing players only. Min. deposit £10. Max. bonus varies per deposit.1st deposit: 100% up to £50 + 20 Spins on Starburst *Min. Deposit £10. 2nd Deposit: 50% up to £75 *Min. Deposit £20. 3rd Deposit: 50% up to £75 *Min. Deposit £20. Bonuses that require deposit, have to be wagered 35x. Full T&C apply.
SIGN UP
Can I play real-money poker on my mobile device?
Yes! All of our recommended online poker sites offer free-play and real-money games. This means you can ante-up in cash games or tournaments via your mobile and win cash prizes. As well as mobile websites, the top poker rooms have iOS and Android apps.
Our top 5 universal tips and strategies for playing different poker variants
That’s just about all you need to know about poker and its different variants. Before you rush off to experience everything the game has to offer, here are five poker tips to help you get the most from your time at the tables:
1. Do your research
Read about the different kinds of poker before you play. This guide is a great place to start, but visit forums, read books written by pros and consume as much video content as possible. Doing this will give you a solid foundation to build on.
2. Start with the basics
Hold’em is the best place to start your poker journey because there is a wealth of information out there. Once you’re comfortable with fundamental concepts in poker, such as bluffing, value betting, pot odds and ranges, branch out and try other variants.
3. Don’t play too high
Never risk more than you can afford to lose. Regardless of the variant you play, only ever buy into games that represent a small portion of your bankroll. As a general rule, you should have 100 to 200 big blinds for the cash games you play. You should have at least 150 buy-ins for tournaments.
4. Look beyond Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is great, and you should play it, but don’t ignore the other types of poker because they can be just as fun. Moreover, the average skill level of Hold’em players has increased over the years and some games are hard to beat. Therefore, trying other forms of poker gives you a chance to find more fish.
5. Be aggressive
Aggression in poker should always be targeted. However, if you’re playing within your limits and spot weak players at the table, you should bet hard and fast whenever a profitable spot presents itself.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Most read in Betting
All the best free bets & sign up offers for punters right here
All the best UK casino welcome bonuses for new players revealed
Best betting apps with great sign up offers to use on sport this month
Check out all the best no deposit bonus sites and exactly how they work
Source: Read Full Article