Perhaps when you hear of the mentions of poker, all that comes to mind is the No-Limit Texas Hold’em variation. But did you know there are many other variations you can try out?
That is the purpose of this article. We will set on a journey to discover the available poker variations so that you don’t get bored trying out only one type.
And now thanks to the internet, you can access all these variants at your own convenience. That’s the beauty of online poker – you no longer need to worry about playing at a specific time.
Especially for those who have tight schedules, such convenience is really helpful. Plus, you can now play from anywhere as long as you have a good internet connection.
The importance of knowing about other variants
Any gamer will agree that playing just one type of game can sometimes be boring. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why most game providers incorporate multiple game products to cater to multiple tastes.
It’s actually one of the many ways to keep players hooked on a platform. Besides that, understanding how to play numerous poker games can help develop skills that can be used in other games.
For example, if you’re a Stud player, you must always remember numerous face-up cards to succeed. Being this observative can help you the next time you play games like Hold’em.
We have not even talked about the freedom and flexibility you enjoy by knowing many games. Think of it this way: your friends invite you for a poker night where they combine different game types.
Imagine being unable to participate in some games just because you have limited knowledge of aspects like hand rankings. This is definitely an experience you do not want.
Main poker categories
You probably have encountered either of the following categories:
- Flop games
- Stud games
- Draw games
In flop games, players have a shared community of cards that they can use to make the best five-card hand. A popular example is the Cadillac of Poker, which is a No-Limit Hold ’em.
For stud games, players can have their own cards, which are mostly revealed to other players. But to hide their mystery, players can have ‘hole cards’ that only they can see.
Draw games are a bit classic and allow players to draw their own hand and cards.
Now that you know the main categories of poker games, why don’t you read on to discover the most popular variants?
Source: Pexels
Most popular variants
No Limit Hold’em
If you ever saw a poker game about a decade and a half ago, possibly it was No Limit Hold’em. And even though it might take just a minute to learn it, you may need a lifetime to master it.
You will get two ‘hole’ cards and a round of betting, followed by three shared cards and another round. After this comes the fourth card, another betting round, the fifth street, and lastly, the final betting round.
You may also want to consider other examples, including:
- Crazy Pineapple: You get three hole cards, among which you can discard one after the flop is dealt.
- Fixed Limit Hold’em: It was loved by most players in the 1990s before the No Limit variations began to emerge.
- Pot Limit Hold’em: It puts a cap on bets and raises based on the current size of the current pot.
Seven Card Stud
Stud games maintained their thrones as the king of poker until Hold’em surfaced. That does not, however, mean that these games ceased to be popular.
And in all of them, you will receive hole cards and several face-up cards. The Seven Card Stud offers you two hole cards and four face-up cards before giving you the final hole card.
Five- Card Draw
Not many people know about Five-Card Draw like they do the other versions. Being the oldest poker variant, it deals five cards to every player before a betting round.
You can fold or hold your hands and draw new cards to replace the present ones. A second round follows, followed by a showdown.
Source: Pexels
What should you consider when choosing the right game variant?
Well, the question of which poker type is best for you narrows down to information and knowledge. It begins by knowing the type of player you are and what you prefer.
For example, those who prefer being creative with their bet sizing might find No Limit games appealing. At the same time, Fixed Limit variations will be most suitable for those who love rigid betting approaches.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t try out other games even if you are more aligned to one particular playstyle. Actually, according to many experts, trying out multiple versions can be a great way to enhance your poker entertainment.
Final words
The question of which poker game to play is popular in the poker world. Especially now that there are numerous versions available, this concern has become even more apparent.
But with the right knowledge about your preference and game skills, you can always be sure to settle for the game that will give you just the best experience.