Poker has a long history, and it’s also one of the most popular card games in the world. Both in physical casinos, poker rooms with friends and online websites, it offers huge interest to the global gaming community.
Unlike other card games, poker offers the opportunity to apply skill and strategy. An element of chance will always be involved, but the fact that it’s a more cerebral option helps to raise interest.
It’s also a little-known fact that there is more than one version of poker available. For those looking for a few hands, here are some variants that you should try.
Texas Hold ‘Em
If you’ve ever watched a poker tournament on television or watched a fictional game in a movie, the likelihood is that Texas Hold ‘Em will be in focus. This is the most popular version of the game and there will be more options to play this at online casinos or out in the physical world.
The game starts with each player being dealt two cards, known as hole cards. Having placed an initial stake prior to the round of dealing, those players now need to consider their next move, based on the hands that they have been dealt.
If a player has a strong opening hand, they can stay in the game and continue betting. If their hand is weak, they have the option to fold and sit it out.
The next set of cards are known as community cards because they are available to all players. There are three of them, referred to as the flop, the turn, and the river. At the end of the dealing process, the best hand wins.
Texas Hold ‘Em is popular because of the strategy levels required. The drama involved in the turning of those three community cards also makes this a popular version to watch.
Omaha
All online poker rooms will provide a wide mix of variants. Texas Hold ’Em may be the most popular among players, but Omaha also has a loyal following. The mechanics are similar to Texas Hold ‘Em, but the numbers of cards differ.
In Omaha, each player is dealt four ‘hole cards’ while five community cards are also dealt. Each player must take two hole cards and three community cards to make the best possible hand.
It’s a popular game because the extra cards mean that players can often form exceptional hands. Omaha can be frustrating when the player has four good hole cards, such as four of a kind, and they can only use two of these.
Caribbean Stud
All forms of poker are straightforward and that’s part of the reason for their popularity. There are no community cards to consider, so it’s a case of putting your hand up against other players on the table.
In Caribbean Stud, each player places an opening bet before receiving five cards. They can, at this point, fold if they have a poor hand, or make another bet if they feel it’s competitive. All cards are then revealed, and the player with the best hand wins.
While there is less of a strategy element in poker games without community cards, stud poker is a good option for beginners. Caribbean Stud is also popular at online casinos, as it can be played between the player and the dealer, without the need to wait for other competitors.
Five Card Draw
This a game that brings an extra fun element to poker. While Five Card Draw is rarely played at a professional level, it’s an entertaining twist that is often found at online casinos.
Bets are placed and five hole cards are dealt to each player. There are no community cards in this version. Unlike Caribbean Stud, players can now discard and receive further cards as they look to build their hand. Five Card Draw is popular partly because those extra rounds of dealing offer more opportunities for players to bluff and outwit their opponents.
Omaha Hi Lo
This variant is based on the traditional Omaha game, but it comes with a distinct twist. In Omaho Hi Lo, the pot can be won in two ways, either by producing the best or the worst hand. So, if you’re going in with a 9-high, you may still have a chance of scooping the pot.
That unusual rule change has made Omaha Hi/Lo a popular choice for those seeking something a little different. A possible downside is that it takes bluffing out of the equation, and that’s an essential part of poker for many players.
In the modern age of online casino play, software developers can run with their imaginations. Many innovative poker versions are now in place, that offer a unique twist on classic rules.
These titles are building a following as they offer something new, but the classic variants will always remain the most popular, and here are five for you to try.