Poker is one of the most popular card games worldwide, who does not like playing poker? With countless variations that cater to different skill levels and strategies poker has a good fanbase. While Texas Hold’em dominates the scene, there are several other exciting poker variations you can play on a poker table. Poker is an ever-evolving game with numerous variations that keep players engaged. While Texas Hold’em remains the go-to game for many, trying out different poker variations like Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Badugi can add excitement to your poker sessions. Each variant brings its own strategic elements and unique gameplay, ensuring there’s always a new challenge to tackle. Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge or a new way to enjoy poker nights, here are 10 poker card game variations worth trying.
1. Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most played poker game globally, featured in major tournaments and casual home games alike. Each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards), and five community cards are placed on the table in three stages: flop, turn, and river. The goal is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of the hole and community cards.
Why Play Texas Hold’em?
- Simple rules, easy to learn for beginners
- Popular in online and live poker tournaments
- Strategic gameplay with betting rounds
2. Omaha Poker
Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em but comes with an interesting twist. Each player receives four hole cards instead of two, and they must use exactly two of them, along with three community cards, to form their best five-card hand.
Popular Variants of Omaha Poker:
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) – Players can bet up to the size of the pot, making for action-packed games.
- Omaha Hi-Lo – The pot is split between the highest and lowest hands, creating a unique dynamic.
3. Seven Card Stud
Before Texas Hold’em took over, Seven Card Stud was the most popular poker variation. Players are dealt seven cards throughout the hand, but only the best five-card combination is used to determine the winner. Unlike Texas Hold’em and Omaha, there are no community cards in this game.
Why Play Seven Card Stud?
- More emphasis on memory and observation skills
- No blinds; instead, there is an ante and bring-in bet
- Great for players who enjoy slower, strategic gameplay
4. Razz Poker
Razz is a unique lowball variation of Seven Card Stud, where the objective is to make the lowest five-card hand possible. The best hand in Razz is A-2-3-4-5 (the wheel). This game flips traditional poker strategies on their head, making it exciting for those looking for a change.
What Makes Razz Special?
- Opposite strategy compared to traditional poker games
- Great for players who enjoy Stud but want a fresh challenge
5. Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is one of the simplest forms of poker game, often played in home games. Each player is dealt five private cards, and after an initial betting round, they can discard and replace up to three (or four if they keep an ace) of their cards to improve their hand.
Why Play Five Card Draw?
- Ideal for beginners
- Quick and easy to understand
- Less emphasis on community cards, more on reading opponents
6. Badugi
Badugi is a unique form of poker game that uses draw mechanics and a different hand-ranking system. Players aim to make the lowest four-card hand with different suits, and pairs are bad (hence the name “Badugi”). The best possible hand is A-2-3-4 of different suits.
Why Play Badugi?
- Different from traditional poker games
- Appeals to lowball and draw poker enthusiasts
- Requires strategic card selection
7. Triple Draw Lowball (2-7)
In Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball, the goal is to make the lowest five-card hand, where straights and flushes count against you. Aces are always high, so the best hand is 7-5-4-3-2 (off-suit). Players get three chances to discard and draw new cards, adding a deep strategic layer.
What Makes It Fun?
- Multiple draw rounds add suspense
- Focuses on bluffing and reading opponents
8. Short Deck (6+) Hold’em
Short Deck Hold’em is similar to Texas Hold’em but is played with a reduced deck (cards 2 through 5 are removed). This change drastically affects hand probabilities, making flushes stronger than full houses and increasing the frequency of high-action hands.
Why Play Short Deck Poker?
- Faster-paced and action-packed
- Hand rankings shift, requiring a new strategic approach
9. Pineapple Poker
Pineapple Poker is an exciting twist on Texas Hold’em. Each player starts with three hole cards, but after the flop, they must discard one. This small rule change leads to bigger starting hands and more action.
Popular Variants:
- Crazy Pineapple – Players keep all three hole cards until after the turn before discarding one.
- Lazy Pineapple – Players don’t discard until showdown.
10. Chinese Poker
Chinese Poker is very different from traditional poker games, making it a great choice for casual play. Each player receives 13 cards and must arrange them into three hands:
- Front (3 cards) – The weakest hand
- Middle (5 cards) – The medium-strength hand
- Back (5 cards) – The strongest hand
Players compare their hands in each category, and points are awarded based on how many hands they win.
Why Play Chinese Poker?
- No betting rounds, making it less intimidating for beginners
- Requires hand-arranging skills rather than bluffing
- Can be played with an Open-Face variant for more excitement
Conclusion
One of the best real money poker App is BigCash where you can play, win and withdraw real money instantly. Poker is an ever-evolving game with numerous variations that keep players engaged. While Texas Hold’em remains the go-to poker game for many, trying out different poker variations like Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Badugi can add excitement to your poker sessions. If you’re interested in playing these variations online, consider using a real money poker app to enjoy the thrill of poker from anywhere.