When most people think of poker, Texas Hold’em immediately comes to mind. It’s the most popular variant, dominating casino poker rooms and online platforms. But the world of poker is vast and diverse, with numerous exciting variants that can spice up your poker experience. Let’s dive into some of these games and explore what makes them unique.
Omaha
Omaha is often considered the second most popular poker variant after Texas Hold’em. It’s similar in structure but with a crucial difference: players are dealt four hole cards instead of two.
How to Play:
- Each player receives four hole cards.
- Five community cards are dealt (flop, turn, river).
- Players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to make their best hand.
Key Strategies:
- Look for hands with strong connections between all four hole cards.
- Beware of “trap hands” like four broadway cards without pairs or suits.
- The nuts change more frequently in Omaha, so be cautious with second-best hands.
Omaha is known for its action, with bigger pots and more multi-way hands compared to Hold’em. It’s a great game for players who enjoy complexity and want to put their hand-reading skills to the test.
Seven Card Stud
Before the rise of Hold’em, Seven Card Stud was the most popular poker variant. It’s a game that rewards memory, observation, and patience.
How to Play:
- Each player is dealt two cards face down and one card face up.
- Betting rounds occur as players are dealt additional face-up cards, one at a time.
- The final card is dealt face down.
- Players make their best five-card hand from their seven cards.
Key Strategies:
- Pay close attention to the exposed cards of folded hands.
- Be aware of your table image based on your exposed cards.
- Starting hand selection is crucial; look for live cards that haven’t been folded.
Seven Card Stud is a game of incomplete information. Unlike Hold’em or Omaha, there are no community cards, so players must be skilled at reading opponents’ possible hands based on their exposed cards.
Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is one of the simplest poker variants, often the first game many people learn. While not commonly played in casinos, it’s still popular in home games.
How to Play:
- Each player is dealt five cards face down.
- There’s a round of betting.
- Players can then discard up to three cards (or four if holding an ace) and receive new ones.
- There’s a final round of betting.
- Remaining players show their hands.
Key Strategies:
- Be selective with starting hands; pairs and high cards are valuable.
- Pay attention to how many cards opponents draw; this can indicate their hand strength.
- Bluffing can be very effective, especially if you stand pat (don’t draw any cards).
Five Card Draw is a great game for beginners due to its simplicity, but it also offers depth for experienced players who can master the art of reading draws and bluffing.
Razz
Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud. The goal is to make the lowest possible hand, with aces always being low.
How to Play:
- The structure is similar to Seven Card Stud.
- The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, known as “the wheel” or “the bicycle”.
- Straights and flushes don’t count against your hand.
Key Strategies:
- Start with three cards 8 or lower, preferably with an ace.
- Pay attention to opponents’ exposed cards to gauge the strength of your hand.
- Be aggressive with strong low hands, as they can often win unimproved.
Razz can be frustrating for beginners as bad hands (in traditional poker terms) are good, and vice versa. However, it’s a great game for expanding your poker skills and understanding of hand values.
2-7 Triple Draw
2-7 Triple Draw is another lowball game, but with a twist: aces are high, and straights and flushes count against you. The goal is to make the lowest hand possible.
How to Play:
- Each player is dealt five cards.
- There are three drawing rounds where players can discard and draw new cards.
- There’s a betting round after each draw.
- The best possible hand is 2-3-4-5-7 of mixed suits.
Key Strategies:
- Starting hand selection is crucial; hands with 2-3-4-5-7 are premium.
- Pay attention to the number of cards opponents are drawing each round.
- Bluffing by standing pat (not drawing) can be effective, especially in position.
2-7 Triple Draw requires a significant strategy adjustment for players used to high-hand games. It’s a game of deception and careful hand reading, offering a unique challenge.
H.O.R.S.E.
H.O.R.S.E. is not a single variant but a mixed game combining five different poker variants. The name is an acronym for the games involved:
- Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Razz
- Seven Card Stud
- Seven Card Stud Eight or Better (Stud Hi-Lo)
How to Play:
- The game rotates through each variant, typically changing every 8 hands or at set time intervals.
- Betting structure remains consistent throughout (usually limit betting).
Key Strategies:
- Versatility is key; you need to be proficient in all five games.
- Manage your bankroll carefully, as swings can be significant across different games.
- Pay attention to your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses in each variant.
H.O.R.S.E. is considered a true test of poker skill, requiring players to adapt to changing game structures and strategies. It’s popular among high-stakes players and in tournament series like the World Series of Poker.
Short Deck (Six Plus Hold’em)
A relatively new variant, Short Deck is a form of Hold’em played with a reduced deck. All cards below 6 are removed, leaving 36 cards in play.
How to Play:
- Gameplay is similar to regular Hold’em.
- Hand rankings are slightly different: Three-of-a-kind beats a straight, and a flush beats a full house.
- Aces can still be used as low to make a straight (A-6-7-8-9).
Key Strategies:
- Hand values change significantly; pairs and suited cards increase in value.
- The game tends to create more action, so be prepared for bigger pots and more all-ins.
- Straight draws are more valuable due to the reduced deck size.
Short Deck has gained popularity in high-stakes cash games and tournaments. Its fast pace and increased likelihood of strong hands make for exciting gameplay.
Conclusion: The Rich Tapestry of Poker
While Texas Hold’em remains the king of poker, exploring these variants can significantly enhance your poker experience and skills. Each game offers unique challenges and strategies:
- Omaha tests your ability to read complex board textures.
- Seven Card Stud hones your observational skills and memory.
- Five Card Draw teaches the art of deception through drawing.
- Razz and 2-7 Triple Draw flip traditional hand values on their head.
- H.O.R.S.E. challenges your all-around poker prowess.
- Short Deck offers a fast-paced, action-packed twist on Hold’em.
By diversifying your poker repertoire, you’ll become a more well-rounded player. You’ll develop new skills and perspectives that can even improve your Hold’em game. Plus, you’ll never be bored at the poker table again!
Remember, each variant has its own nuances and learning curve. Start with low stakes as you learn, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced players. With practice and patience, you might just find your new favorite poker game beyond the realm of Texas Hold’em.
So next time you sit down to play, why not suggest mixing it up with one of these exciting variants? You might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have exploring the diverse world of poker beyond Hold’em.