Poker Variations - Types of Poker Game

Poker variations are more popular than ever, especially with the explosive growth of online platforms and real money games. Whether you're a seasoned player bored of Texas Hold’em or a newcomer unsure where to start, there's a world of exciting poker types waiting to be explored.

In this guide, you'll discover the most popular poker variants, how they're played, and what makes each unique. From ease of learning to strategic depth and betting styles, we’ll break down the pros and cons so you can choose the best game for your skill level and goals.

Different Types of Poker Variants

The different types of poker variants are described below, and their different gameplays and challenges are explained. This list will help you understand which variant suits your style the most.

• Texas Holdem
• Omaha Hi
• Omaha Hi-Lo
• 7-Card Stud
• 2-7 Triple Draw
• 5-Card Draw
• 5-Card Omaha
• Badugi
• HORSE
• Razz
• Chinese Poker
• Short Deck
• Crazy Pineapple
• Community Card

1. Texas Holdem

Texas Holdem is the most popular poker variant. It plays out in four stages: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. Players get two hole cards, and five cards, called the community cards, are placed in the middle (in each round after the flop). You aim to make the best five-card poker hands.

Popularity: 10/10

Holdem originated in the early 1900s and became famous after a group of players founded the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In 1970, the game was featured on the television show The World Series of Poker, making it the world's most popular form of poker.

Ease of Learning: 8/10

With the amount of resources available, the game is easy to learn. However, you will have to keep practising to improve your game.

Gameplay

Once the hole cards are dealt, the players sitting to the dealer's immediate left put in forced bets called blinds. The action starts with the player sitting left to Big Blind; they can call, raise, or fold. After the first betting round, three community cards are revealed. Two more cards are dealt, 1 in the turn round and another 1 in the river. With the help of your hole cards and these community cards, you will make the best 5-card hand. Later, in the showdown, everyone will show their hands, and the player with the best hand wins.

Texas Hold’em Pros

You can find this variation on any poker platform due to its popularity.

Texas Hold’em Cons

You can lose your bankroll if you indulge in no-limit Texas Holdem recklessly.

2. Omaha Hi

Omaha-Hi is the second most popular poker variant. In Omaha hi, the highest hand takes the pot home. Omaha-Hi is played as a pot-limit game, commonly referred to as Pot-limit Omaha.

Pot limit Omaha is similar to Texas Holdem, but you are dealt four cards instead of two. In Hold'em, you can use one or none of your hole cards to make the pot, whereas Pot Limit Omaha requires you to use two cards of your hand at showdown.

For example, holding the king of clubs in your hand when four clubs are on the board gives you a flush in Hold'em, regardless of your other card. In contrast, Pot Limit Omaha requires that you have two clubs in your hand to have a flush in this situation.

Popularity: 8/10

Although the game is unavailable on every poker site or casino, it is considered the second-best poker variation after Holdem.

Ease of Learning: 8/10

If you know Texas Holdem, this variation is relatively easy to learn. Since you get more hole cards than Holdem, the chances of making a good hand are higher.

Gameplay

The gameplay is similar to Texas Holdem. You just get three-hole cards instead of 2 based on the variation.

Omaha Hi Pros

Since you get more hole cards, it will be easier for you to make the best hand.

Omaha Hi Cons

Although you get more cards than Texas Holdem, you can only use two holes to make the hand.

3. Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo is a popular poker variant of Omaha played with four-hole cards and five community cards. The game aims to make the best possible high hand and/or the best possible low hand using two of your hole cards and three community cards. Like Texas Holdem and Omaha, there are four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. And we have a showdown if more than two players are still in the game.

In Omaha Hi-Lo, the pot is usually split between the best high hand and the best low hand if there is a qualifying low hand. 

To qualify for the low hand, a player must have five unpaired cards of 8 or lower. Ace is considered low to make a low hand, which means the best possible low hand is A-2-3-4-5 (also known as a "wheel"). There are four main types of betting limits:

Betting Limits in Omaha Hi-Lo

• Limit Omaha Hi-Lo: The betting amount is predetermined, meaning you can only bet or raise to a specified amount.
• Pot Limit Hi-Lo: Since you can use only two hole cards, it involves much skill and concentration. The betting is restricted to the pot limit.
• No Limit Hi-Lo: As the name suggests, you can bet any amount of your chips during the hand.
• Mixed Omaha Hi-Lo includes two betting types: limit and pot limit Omaha. In limit Omaha, you can bet up to a predetermined amount, whereas in pot limit, betting is restricted to the pot value.

Best Starting Hands in Omaha Hi-Lo

In Omaha Hi-Lo, the hands that are either 8 or lower are considered low hands. The best-starting hands are:

• A A 2 3 is often called suited or double-suited.
• A A 2 4 is often called suited or double-suited.
• A A 2 5 are called double suited.
• A A 3 4 are called double-suited.

Best Qualifying Low Hands

Here are the best qualifying low hand, also referred to as the wheel:

• 5 4 3 2 A.
• 6 4 3 2 A.
• 6 5 4 3 2.
• 7 5 4 3 2.
• 7 6 5 2 A.

Popularity: 4/10

It's less popular than Pot Limit Omaha, but people play at private tables.

Ease of Learning: 4/10

The game is complex because you must consider both the hands' high and low combinations.

Gameplay

The gameplay is similar to Omaha Hi, with a different pot. In Omaha Hi, the highest bet gets the entire pot, whereas in Omaha Hi-Lo, the pot is divided into two, one for the highest card and one for the lowest card.

Omaha Hi-Lo Pros

It is easier to win since the pot gets divided. So, even if you have low cards, you can still win.

Omaha Hi-Lo Cons

You won’t be able to win high as the pot gets divided.

4. All-In or Fold

It is one of the fast-paced poker variants. As the name suggests, you go All-in or fold in the pre-flop. You decide based on your hole cards; if you think you can win, you go all-in,n, and if you feel the cards are not good and you may lose, you fold.

Popularity: 5/10

The popularity is moderate. It is a popular option on Adda52.

Ease of Learning: 5/10

It is easy to pick up. You must decide whether you are all-in or folding based on your hole cards.

Gameplay

You must immediately decide whether to be All-in or Fold in every round. There is no betting round.

All-In or Fold Pros

The variant is easy to learn and the fastest to get over.

All-In or Fold Cons

The game is risky; you can lose all your money in a single decision. There’s also no room for strategy.

5. PLO 6

Pot Limit Omaha 6 is similar to Texas Hold’em, but players get six-hole cards and must use two and three community cards to form the best hand.

The rules here are similar to those of Pot Limit Omaha, which means the maximum bet allowed will vary according to the size.

Popularity: 6/10

Plo 6 comes under the niche category. The game is less common and less popular.

Ease of Learning: 6/10

The basic rules remain the same; the only difference is the number of hole cards dealt. The variant becomes complex as you get six-hole cards.

Gameplay

You are dealt 6-hole cards, and you can only have 2-hole cards. With the help of those 2-hole cards and five community cards, you must make the best 5-card hand.

PLO 6 Pros

The game adds another layer of strategy as you have six-hole- cards instead of 2.

PLO 6 Cons

The game is quite complex to learn and can be volatile due to multiple hole cards.

6. 7-Card Stud

In Seven-Card Stud, the players must first post an ante, a small forced bet that everyone at the table must pay. Each player is then dealt two cards face down and one face up. The player with the lowest-ranked face-up card must start the first betting round with a forced bet known as the "bring-in". Betting then proceeds clockwise around the table.

How Each Round of 7 Card Stud Happens

• Each player is dealt 3 cards in the first round, with 2 face-down hole cards and 1 face-up door card.
• Over the next three rounds, players are dealt one card face-up in each round.
• In the final round, the 7th card is dealt face down.

Popularity: 4/10

A 7-card stud used to be a popular poker variant. However, now, it is only available online rather than in casinos.

Ease of Learning: 6/10

The game is easy to learn. However, you may have to learn complex strategies to win.

Gameplay

The game begins when you receive two cards face down and one face up. After the first betting round, you will again receive three cards face up and one face down. The game continues until the showdown, where players select 5 7 cards to make the best 5-card hand.

7-Card Stud Pros

The game is suitable for beginners who want to learn the basics of poker. Compared to Holdem, players also have more opportunities to bluff.

7-Card Stud Cons

The game is slower than Holdem. Also, since it involves more hole cards, deciding which to discard and which one to keep is challenging.

7. 2-7 Triple Draw

The game begins when the dealer draws five cards face-down to each player. Then, the first of three rounds begins, where you can exchange cards from your hand for those dealt with by the dealer. The series continues for the next two rounds. You can win two ways: either by having the lowest five-card hand or by forcing opponents to fold.

Popularity: 4/10

The game is less prevalent. You may find it in some casinos and online platforms.

Ease of Learning: 7/10

Since the game differs from what we have learnt, it's difficult to unlearn and relearn the hand rankings and how to make low hands.

Gameplay

There are three rounds of draw and four rounds of betting. After each betting round, you can discard the cards you don’t want; the number can be between 0-5. You will discard the cards, and the dealer will draw the replacement. After the final round of betting and discarding, everyone shows their hand, and the player with the lowest hand ranking wins.

2-7 Triple Draw Pros

The game is enjoyable for players who enjoy strategic thinking.

2-7 Triple Draw Cons

Due to its lack of popularity, finding the game online can be challenging.

8. 5-Card Draw

It is a classic poker game in which players are dealt five cards and have the opportunity to replace any number of them with new cards to make the best possible hand.

Popularity: 5/10

The game is popular in online poker and home games. However, it is difficult to find it in casinos.

Ease of Lerrning: 9/10

There is only one drawing round, two betting, and five cards for each player. This makes the game straightforward to learn. You use these five cards to make the best possible poker hand.

Gameplay

The game begins with everyone getting five cards face down. After several betting rounds and draw phrases, the player with the best 5-card hand wins.

5-Card Draw Pros

Beginner-friendly game. As a beginner, you can learn much about poker, including hand rankings, betting rounds, and bluffing.

5-Card Draw Cons

You will have to rely on your hole cards as community cards are less.

9. 5-Card Omaha

5-card Omaha is another variant of Omaha, where you get 5-hole cards. The aim is to use at least 2 of these five cards and make the best 5-card hand with the help of community cards.

Popularity: 6/10

Pot limit Omaha is more popular, but this, too, is taking its place in online platforms and some private tables.

Ease of Learning: 8/10

If you know the pot limit Omaha, then this variation is easy. The rules remain the same; the only difference is the number of hole cards.

Gameplay

The game begins when you get 5-hole cards, and after some betting rounds, you will make the best 5-card hand with 2-hole and three community cards.

5-Card Omaha Pros

Since the number of hole cards is greater, the possibility of making a strong hand is higher.

5-Card Omaha Cons

Despite getting 5-hole cards, you can only use 2 to make the 5-card hand.

10. Badugi

Badugi is a lowball poker game played with four cards instead of the traditional five. The game aims to make the lowest possible hand using cards of different suits and ranks.

Badugi is played with a standard 52-card deck and can be played with 2 to 8 players. Each player is dealt four cards face down, and the game has a betting structure similar to other forms of poker.

Popularity: 3/10

The game is less popular than other poker variants but is gaining a niche in online platforms.

Ease of Learning: 3/10

The game is complex. You will have to learn to build Badugi hands.

Gameplay

The game begins when each player gets four cards face down. After four betting rounds, the player with the lowest four-card wins.

Badugi Pros

The game comes with unique challenges. Hence, it’s suitable for players who love strategic thinking.

Badugi Cons

Due to its lack of popularity, it’s challenging to find the game, especially in live settings.

11. HORSE

H.O.R.S.E. is a mixed poker format that combines several variations into one. The name "H.O.R.S.E." is an acronym that stands for five different games:

• Hold'em
• Omaha Hi/Lo
• Razz
• Seven-Card Stud
• Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi/Lo)

The game changes after a set number of hands, either after a certain amount of time or after a complete rotation around the table. This means that players must be skilled in all five games to be successful in the format.

Each game in H.O.R.S.E. has its own rules and strategies. This means you’ll have to be ready to adapt to each new game as it is introduced. H.O.R.S.E. is considered a true test of a player's all-around poker skills, requiring proficiency in multiple game disciplines.

Popularity: 5/10

The game is not popular in familiar settings. However, people prefer it in high-stakes tournaments.

Ease of Learning: 2/10

If you are new to poker, it's challenging to learn as you must know all five games simultaneously. Even a professional has to learn to change their strategies according to the game.

Gameplay

Since it combines five games, each game is played alphabetically and lasts 1 round. There is no Pot Limit or No Limit; each game is played as a fixed limit.

HORSE Pros

It is a good way to test your game's versatility. You also get to play five variants in 1 game.

HORSE Cons

The game can be difficult for beginners, as it is complex to learn all five games.

12. Razz

Razz is a poker variant whose goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand using seven cards dealt to each player. It is played with a standard 52-card deck and can be played with 2 to 8 players.

The game begins with each player being dealt three cards. Two face down and one face up. The player with the highest-ranked face-up card must make a forced bet, known as the "bring-in". Betting then proceeds clockwise around the table.

Popularity: 3/10

It is less popular than Texas Holdem and Omaha.

Ease of Learning: 7/10

The game is easy if you are familiar with 7-card studs. You will just have to make the lowest possible 5-card hand to win.

Gameplay

The game is similar to a stud poker. You start by putting the ante and then everyone gets two face-down and one face-up. The player with the highest face-up card posts the bring-in which is the forced bet. The game begins in a clockwise direction and after several betting rounds, the player with the lowest 5-card wins.

Razz Pros

The game is suitable for beginners who want to learn the basics of poker. Compared to Holdem, players also have more opportunities to bluff.

Razz Cons

Due to its lack of popularity, it's challenging to find the game, especially in live settings.

13. Chinese Poker

Chinese poker is a beginner-friendly card game. Unlike other poker variants, you don't get community cards; instead, you will get 13 cards, and you must make two five-card hands and one three-card hand.

The unique thing about this game is that the hands should be in a specific order. The first 5-card hand will have the highest cards, the next one will have lower than that, and the final 3-card hand hands will have the lowest ranking cards.

Popularity: 3/10

The game is not hugely popular, but people play it with friends.

Ease of Learning: 4/10

Chinese poker is easy to pick, especially compared to other poker variants. This is primarily due to a lack of betting and the game's emphasis on hand management. Hence, if you just learn the hand rankings, you are good to go.

Gameplay

The game begins with players agreeing to the point value. After that, each player gets 13 cards. They make three sets of hands: two 5-card hands and one 3-card hand.

Chinese Poker Pros

The game is easy to learn. You only have to learn the hand rankings.

Chinese Poker Cons

After a point, it becomes monotonous as there is little to do.

14. Short Deck

The short deck is similar to Texas Holdem. You get two hole cards, and with the help of community cards, you make the best 5-card hand. The only difference is that instead of a 52-card deck, we use a 36-card deck. We remove 2s and 5s from each suit.

Texas Hold’em versus Short Deck

Popularity: 7/10

The popularity of the Short Deck has surged, primarily because of the big poker series and media coverage of the high-stakes games played in China. It’s not a standard game in many card rooms or online poker rooms, but it is undoubtedly an attractive and fun form of poker.

Ease of Learning: 6/10

If you know Texas Holdem, then this is a piece of cake as the gameplay is straightforward. When it comes to learning strategies for short decks, the game is relatively new. There’s not much has been written to said about it, this makes the learning slightly more difficult. However, you can come up with your strategy and try it in a practice game.

Short Deck Odds

Gameplay

Like Holdem, you will get two hole cards, and with the help of community cards, you have to make the best 5-card hand possible. The game involves the same betting rounds and bets.

Short Deck Pros

Since the number of cards is smaller, it becomes easy to make a full house, flush, and even straight.

Short Deck Cons

The game is not valuable on every online platform and casino.

15. Crazy Pineapple

Crazy Pineapple is a variant of the popular poker game Texas Hold’em. Players receive three-hole cards instead of two in this exciting poker variation.

The main difference between Crazy Pineapple and Texas Hold'em is the extra hole card and the requirement to discard one after the flop. This can make interesting strategic decisions and bigger pots since players have more opportunities to make strong hands.

Popularity:  3/10

The game's popularity is at a moderate level. People do play it with their friends.

Ease of Learning:  7/10

It is easy to learn if you are familiar with the Holdem. The basic rules remain the same; only the card discarding adds a nudge. It will be easier for poker players who have a good starting hand that they are happy with playing.

Gameplay

You will get three hole cards; discard one out of three after the flop. The rest of the game remains similar to Holdem. You win by making the best 5-card hand.

Crazy Pineapple Pros

The discarding part after the flop adds a strategic depth to the game.

Crazy Pineapple Cons

The game is slightly more complex than Texas Holdem.

16. Draw Poker

Draw poker is a variant of classic poker, where you are dealt a complete hand and can improve it by discarding or drawing new cards.

Popularity:  3/10

Draw poker used to be popular; however, its popularity has reduced due to games like Texas Holdem and Omaha.

Ease of Learning:  3/10

The game is straightforward. The basic rule is simple, and the structure doesn’t involve complex strategies.

Gameplay

The game begins with each player getting five cards. Based on their hands, they bet. You have an option to discard and draw, and you can discard and draw up to five cards. After drawing and discarding, you will bet, and the player with the best hand wins the showdown.

Draw Poker Pros

The game is easy to understand and play.

Draw Poker Cons

The game is less popular, and hardly anyone plays it today.

17. Super Hold'em

Super Holdem is another variant of classic Texas Holdem. It has additional complexes and features that make it different from Texas Holdem. In Super Hold’em, you are dealt three-hole cards and must use the one-hole card to make the five-card hand.

Popularity:  5/10

Super Holdem is less popular than Texas Holdem. This niche poker variant is popular among players looking for new challenges.

Ease of Learning: 7/10

The game is similar to Texas Holdem. However, the additional elements can make it more complex.

Super Hold'em Pros

The gameplay is similar to Texas Holdem, making it easy to learn. It offers new challenges to experienced players.

Super Hold'em Cons

The game is less popular as players prefer Texas Holdem.

Poker Variations you can Play on Adda52

Adaa52 is a popular poker website in India. The platform comes with an app with an easy-to-use interface and offers variants like Texas Holdem, PLO4, and 5, All-in or Fold.

The platform also offers cash tables, daily tournaments, freeroll, Sit & Go, and practice games to improve your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many variations are there in poker?

There are hundreds of variations of poker. Such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi, Omaha Hi-Lo, 7-Card Stud, 2-7 Triple Draw, 5-Card Draw, 5-Card Omaha, Badugi, HORSE, Razz, Chinese Poker, Short Deck, and Pineapple.

What is the hardest variation of poker?

Although the game's toughness depends on your preference, Omaha Hi-Lo is considered the hardest poker variation. It has 16000 starting hand combinations.

What is the best variation of poker?

Texas Holdem is the best variation of poker. It is a fun and challenging variant.

What is the hardest form of poker?

Omaha Hi-lo is the hardest form of poker as it involves both high and low hands.

What is the best hand in Badugi poker?

A-2-3-4 hand of all different suits is the best in Badugi poker.

What is the easiest version of poker?

A five-card draw is the easiest poker version. You are dealt five cards and discard and draw new cards to improve your hand.

Conclusion

Poker is a complex and dynamic game that requires skill and strategy. The list above gives you the different poker variants that are loved globally. Pick one variant, learn about it and master it.

To become a successful poker player, you must be patient and disciplined and continuously strive to improve your skills.

Remember, poker is not just about winning money but also about the thrill of the game and the challenge it presents. So whether you are a seasoned pro or just beginning, start playing on Adda52.com to enhance your poker skills.