If you’re a fan of online poker, you may be familiar with the classic Texas Hold’em variant. While this version of the game is undoubtedly popular, there are plenty of other exciting poker variants out there to try your hand at. In fact, there are six online poker variants that every poker enthusiast should be familiar with.
1. Omaha
Omaha is a popular poker variant that is similar to Texas Hold’em, but with a few key differences. In Omaha, players are dealt four hole cards instead of two, and must use exactly two of their hole cards in combination with three community cards to make the best five-card hand. This extra complexity adds a new level of strategy to the game, making it a favorite among seasoned poker players.
2. Stud Poker
Stud poker is another classic poker variant that is popular in both online and live poker rooms. In stud poker, players are dealt a combination of face-up and face-down cards over multiple rounds of betting, with the final hand consisting of five cards. This variant requires a different skill set than Texas Hold’em or Omaha, as players must pay close attention to their opponents’ visible cards in order to make informed decisions.
3. Razz
Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud, where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand instead of the highest. In Razz, straights and flushes do not count against a player’s hand, and the ace is always considered low. This unique twist on traditional poker rules makes Razz a challenging and exciting variant to play online.
4. Horse
Horse is a mixed game variant that combines five different poker games into one comprehensive format. The acronym stands for Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight or Better (also known as Hi-Lo), with each game being played for a set number of hands before switching to the next. This variant is a favorite among poker pros looking to test their skills across a variety of game types.
5. 2-7 Triple Draw
2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball variant of draw poker where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand with five cards. Unlike traditional draw poker, straights and flushes count against a player’s hand in 2-7 Triple Draw, making the game all about making the best low hand possible. This variant requires a different strategy than other poker games, making it a fun and challenging option for online players.
6. Badugi
Badugi is a draw poker variant that is relatively new to the poker scene but has quickly gained popularity among online players. In Badugi, the goal is to make the best four-card hand possible, with the added twist that players must have one card of each suit in their hand. This unique requirement adds an extra layer of complexity to the game, as players must carefully consider which cards to keep and discard in order to make the best possible hand.
In conclusion, these six online poker variants offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences for poker enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to shake up your poker routine or a beginner looking to expand your horizons, these variants are sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement at the virtual poker table. So why not give them a try and see which one becomes your new favorite?