Top 4 Poker Game Variants
There are probably more variations of Poker than of any other card game. While the names and rankings of Poker hands are the same, the rules vary from game to game. Poker variants differ in how many cards are dealt each player, how many community cards are revealed, how much the betting limit is, and so on. Stakes can be unlimited, limited to the amount in the pot, or predetermined at the start of each game or round.
Of course, the different rules influence the nature of the given Poker variant and how it is played. Just like in billiards, where 9 ball is more straightforward and plays faster than either 8 ball or Snooker.
Now for a look at common Poker variant games:
This is the most popular Poker game in the world today. Made popular by an international Poker tournament and a sports cable channel. It is easy for the beginner to learn and is much-loved by both Poker aficionados and casual fans.
- HOW CARDS ARE DEALT. A player has two cards in each round. Five open or community cards are revealed on the table.
- HOW IT IS PLAYED. A betting round takes place after the deal. Then three cards are revealed by the dealer. This is followed by another betting round, and the revelation of a fourth card. Then there is a third betting round. Next, a fifth card is turned up. After one last betting round, the round concludes with a showdown. Players who have not quit must reveal their hands.
OMAHA POKER
Omaha is another popular casino version of Poker. Like Texas Holdem, it can be played in many computer games.
- HOW IT IS DEALT. A player is given four cards lying face down. There are five shared or community cards on the Poker table.
- HOW IT IS PLAYED. The rules of the game are practically the same as Texas Holdem rules, but for one thing: In Texas Holdem you can use your cards and the community cards in any combination. But in Omaha, you must exactly two of your cards and three of the open cards.
SEVEN CARD STUD POKER
- HOW IT IS DEALT. Each player gets two cards facing down and one card turned up.
- HOW IT IS PLAYED. Play starts with a betting round, after which every player gets a new card turned up. The same procedure is repeated again and again until each player has a total of six cards. The dealer lays the final card - the seventh - face down on the table. There is one more betting round and finally a showdown.
FIVE CARD DRAW POKER
This is one of the simplest Poker variant games.
- HOW IT IS DEALT. Every 5-Card Draw player is dealt five cards, undisclosed.
- HOW IT IS PLAYED. After cards are dealt, players wager. Following this wagering round, players may exchange cards (up to three of them). There is one more round of betting before a showdown.
There is another type of Poker called Video Poker and is also very popular. But it is more like a Slot Machine and not played with human players. It's you against the computer. We suggest you start playing Texas Holdem and 5-Card Draw Poker with the many free Poker software around.