A Guide To Popular Online Poker Variants

While Texas Hold’em remains the undisputed king of the poker world, online poker platforms introduce a whole universe of exciting variations. If you’re ready to spice up your poker routine and discover new strategic depths, it’s time to explore these popular alternatives.

Omaha: More Cards, More Action

Omaha is like Texas Hold’em with an adrenaline boost. Instead of two hole cards, you receive four. However,  you must use precisely two of those hole cards and three community cards to make your final hand. This opens the door to thrilling draws, unpredictable showdowns, and a whole lot of action.

Omaha Hi-Lo: Double The Fun

Omaha Hi-Lo adds a fascinating twist. The pot is split between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand. This forces you to think strategically about whether to chase a powerful high hand, try to build a winning low hand, or even try to scoop the entire pot by aiming for both!

7 Card Stud: A Blast From The Past

7 Card Stud is a classic with old-school charm.  Instead of community cards, you get seven cards throughout multiple rounds (some face-up, some face-down). Mastering the art of remembering your opponents’ exposed cards and using this knowledge strategically is vital for success.

Razz: Where The Worst Hand Wins

Razz is the ultimate poker curveball!  The objective is to make the absolute worst five-card poker hand possible. Straights and flushes work against you in this deceptive and surprisingly fun game.

Short Deck Hold’em: Action-Packed Twist

Imagine Hold’em distilled into its most thrilling elements. In Short Deck Hold’em (also called Six-Plus Hold’em), cards 2 through 5 are removed.  This increases the chances of hitting big hands, resulting in more aggressive play and amplified excitement.

Few Tips For Discovering New Variants

• Ease In: Start with low stakes or even play money as you learn the intricacies of each new variant.
• Learn by Watching: Observe how other players approach these games and pick up their strategic tricks
• Dive into Resources: Find articles and videos dedicated to explaining the unique strategies within each poker variation.