5 Most Popular Types of Poker and How to Play Them

Poker has evolved into one of the most thrilling and dynamic card games enjoyed worldwide. Its diverse variants cater to different tastes, whether you prefer a game of strategy, luck, or a mix of both. Here, we delve into the five of the most common poker variants offered by online casinos, explaining the rules, gameplay, and key strategies to help you understand poker in its different versions. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of these popular poker variants and be ready to join the action at any table, offline and online alike. If you wish to play poker online, you’ll soon realize that Internet poker platforms are a great place to start with your sessions. You’ll probably get a welcome bonus, several free spins, and a plentitude of modern games. What’s more, you can even choose from numerous payment methods, some of which are almost instantaneous. 

1. Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the most popular and frequently played version of poker, particularly in online poker sites and TV competitions such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP).  It’s a game of skill, strategy, and patience.

How to Play

• Players and Deck: Texas Hold’em is typically played with 2 to 10 players using a standard 52-card deck.
• Objective: The aim is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of two hole cards (private cards dealt to each player) and five community cards (shared cards).

Gameplay

• Each player receives 2 private cards (hole cards) from the dealer. The initial round of betting starts with the player situated to the left of the big blind.
• The dealer shows the 3 community cards (the flop) on the table.
• A 2nd round of betting takes place. The dealer exposes a 4th community card (the turn).
• Players engage in a 3rd betting round.
• The dealer reveals the 5th and final community card (the river).
• The last betting round occurs. The remaining players show their hands (the showdown).
• The pot is won by the player with the best five-card hand.

Key Tips

• Focus on starting hand selection. Play strong hands like pairs, suited connectors, and high cards.
• Pay attention to your opponent’s actions to gauge the strength of their hands.
• Use position wisely; playing later in the betting round gives you more information.

2. Omaha Hold’em

Omaha Hold’em, often just called Omaha, is similar to Texas Hold’em but offers more complexity due to the extra hole cards dealt to each player. It’s especially popular in high-stakes games.

How to Play

• Players and Deck: Like Texas Hold’em, Omaha is played with a standard 52-card deck and usually 2 to 10 players.
• Objective: Make the best five-card hand using exactly two of your four-hole cards and three of the five community cards.

Gameplay

• Each player receives four-hole cards.
• The first betting round begins after the hole cards are dealt.
• The dealer lays out the flop (3 community cards), following another round of betting.
• The turn (4th community card) is dealt with, followed by betting.
• The river (5th community card) is revealed, leading to the final round of betting.
• Players should use two hole cards and three community cards at the showdown.

Key Tips

• Remember the rule of two: Use only two of your hole cards. Don’t mistakenly count all four.
• Play strong starting hands, preferably with cards that can make strong flushes or straights.
• Pay attention to possible draws, as Omaha often leads to strong hands like straights and flushes.

3. Seven-Card Stud

Before the popularity of Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud was the dominant poker variant. Seven-Card Stud differs from Texas Hold’em and Omaha in that it does not use community cards. 

How to Play

• Players and Deck: It is usually played with 2 to 8 players and a standard 52-card deck.
• Objective: Make the best five-card hand out of seven cards dealt to each player.

Gameplay

• Players are dealt two hole cards (face down) and one upcard (face up).
• The player with the lowest upcard starts the first round of betting (bring-in).
• Players receive three more upcards, each followed by a round of betting.
• Finally, each participant receives a seventh card face down (the river), followed by a final round of betting.
• At the showdown, the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Key Tips

• Pay close attention to the upcards of your opponents to gauge their hand strength.
• Starting hands like pairs, suited cards, and high-ranking cards are strong choices.
• Be prepared for many betting rounds and plan your chips accordingly.

4. Five-Card Draw

Five-Card Draw is one of the simplest forms of poker and is often a starting point for new players. It’s a straightforward game that’s easy to learn and fast-paced.

How to Play

• Players and Deck: Typically played with 2 to 6 players using a standard 52-card deck.
• Objective: Form the best five-card hand after one draw.

Gameplay

• Each player is dealt five private cards.
• The first round of betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
• Players can then choose to draw (discard unwanted cards and receive new ones) or stand pat (keep their hands).
• A second round of betting occurs.
• Players reveal their hands, and the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

Key Tips

• Don’t be afraid to fold if you have a weak hand; Five-Card Draw is all about strong hands.
• To learn more about your opponents’ hand strength, keep an eye on how many cards they draw.
• Bluffing can be effective but use it sparingly and with caution.

5. Razz

Razz is a unique poker game where players aim to create the lowest hand possible. It appeals to those looking for a different challenge from traditional high-hand poker.

How to Play

• Players and Deck: Razz accommodates 2 to 8 players and uses a standard 52-card deck.
• Objective: Form the lowest five-card hand. Aces will always be low, and straights and flushes don’t count against your hand.

Gameplay

• Each player receives two hole cards and one upcard to start.
• The player showing the highest upcard initiates the first betting round.
• Three more upcards and a final hole card are dealt in subsequent rounds, with betting between each deal.
• At the showdown, the player with the lowest five-card combination wins.

Key Tips

• Favor low cards (Aces, 2s, 3s) in your starting hand.
• Keep track of opponents’ visible cards to gauge your standing.
• Remember that flushes and straights are irrelevant, simplifying low-hand formation.

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.

Author