Types of Poker: Popular Variants Explained
Contrary to popular belief, poker isn’t a single game; it’s more of a wide collection of card game variations, which are built on shared principles.
Since rules and timing differ from format to format, players often choose the version to play based on pace and personal preferences in terms of risk.
We explore the most popular poker variants available in casinos, showcasing the incredible variety that poker has to offer—and that keeps it endlessly loved by people all over the globe.
What Makes Poker Variants Unique
All poker games share the same foundation: ranked hands, strategic betting, and competition for the pot. What sets them apart is how cards are dealt and how betting unfolds. Some formats use shared community cards, others rely on hidden draws or face-up information. These differences shape every decision a player makes.
Poker is generally divided into three families—draw, stud, and community card games. Draw formats emphasize decision-making and deception; stud games rely on observation and memory; and community styles combine visible information with betting strategy. Players exploring different online poker sites quickly see how varied these systems can be. Each format challenges players to balance risk and logic differently, which is why professionals often study several versions. Learning new poker types doesn’t just expand skill sets, it strengthens a player’s grasp of the game’s core principles.
| Poker Variant | Hole Cards | Betting Structure | Primary Skill Emphasis | Volatility Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Hold’em | 2 | No-Limit | Positional play, range reading, psychology | Medium |
| Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) | 4 | Pot-Limit | Mathematical equity, draw management, pot control | High |
| Omaha Hi-Lo (8 or Better) | 4 | Pot-Limit / Fixed-Limit | Split-pot calculation, board reading, value targeting | High |
| Big O | 5 | Pot-Limit | Multi-draw analysis, variance management | Very High |
| Short Deck Hold’em (6+) | 2 (36-card deck) | No-Limit | Adjusted probabilities, aggression, preflop strategy | High |
| Five-Card Draw | 5 | Fixed-Limit / Pot-Limit | Bluffing, reading opponents, hand selection | Medium |
| Seven-Card Stud | 7 personal (no community) | Fixed-Limit | Observation, memory, deduction | Low–Medium |
| Razz (Lowball Stud) | 7 personal (no community) | Fixed-Limit | Patience, tracking exposed cards, calculation | Low |
| Pineapple / Crazy Pineapple | 3 (one discarded) | No-Limit | Adaptability, timing of discards, range flexibility | Medium–High |
| Badugi | 4 | Fixed-Limit | Probability estimation, suit/rank balancing, discipline | Medium |
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most recognized poker variation worldwide. Each player receives two private cards, followed by five community cards dealt in stages known as the flop, turn, and river. Players use any five-card combination from those seven cards to form the strongest possible hand.
The game’s appeal lies in its balance between luck and decision-making. Betting rounds create constant opportunities for strategy, and players must weigh position, pot odds, and psychology every hand. The best-known tournaments, including the World Series of Poker Main Event, use this format.
From casual matches to televised championships, Hold’em remains poker’s defining version.
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
Pot-Limit Omaha plays much like Texas Hold’em but with an extra layer of depth. Each player receives four hole cards instead of two, and every hand carries the potential for huge swings. To make a valid hand, you must use exactly two of your hole cards combined with three community cards—no more, no less.
Because players see twice as many personal cards, drawing possibilities multiply. Straights, flushes, and full houses appear frequently, which raises both the stakes and the skill requirement. The “pot-limit” structure adds another dimension, as you can only bet up to the current size of the pot. This rule keeps the game controlled yet intensely competitive.
PLO demands precision in hand selection and a strong grasp of equity. Patience and timing often determine success, as chasing marginal draws can quickly drain a stack. Its mix of mathematical depth and constant action makes it a favorite among those seeking fast, high-pressure poker, especially when in real money poker sessions.
Omaha Hi-Lo (Omaha 8 or Better)
Omaha Hi-Lo, sometimes called Omaha Eight or Better, splits the pot between the highest and lowest qualifying hands. It follows the same four-card structure as traditional Omaha but introduces an extra layer of calculation that rewards versatility.
- Two ways to win: Each round can produce both a high and a low winner. If a player has the best of both, they “scoop” the entire pot.
- Low hand rules: To qualify for the low half, you need five cards ranked eight or lower with no pairs. Aces count as low here, making combinations like A-2-3-4-5 particularly valuable.
- Dual-purpose draws: Many players build hands that can compete for both sides at once, increasing potential returns.
Chasing a weak low or second-best high hand often leads to split losses, so careful judgment is vital.
Reading both board textures and opponent tendencies helps manage split outcomes and avoid costly traps. It’s one of the most intellectually engaging poker variants, perfect for players who enjoy complex decision-making.
Big O
Big O expands on the Omaha Hi-Lo structure by giving each player five hole cards instead of four. That single addition transforms the game’s tempo, producing larger pots and more dramatic showdowns, which in turn makes it a hit for online poker tournaments.
The rules remain the same: use exactly two hole cards and three from the board—but the extra card increases drawing combinations exponentially. This means more potential for both high and low hands, but it also raises volatility. Players often find themselves balancing multiple draws, calculating outs for each side, and deciding which route offers the best return.
Because the field of strong hands grows wider, starting hand selection becomes critical.
Short Deck Hold’em
Short Deck Hold’em, sometimes called “Six Plus Hold’em,” trims the deck to 36 cards by removing all twos through fives. That shift dramatically changes hand equity—flushes outrank full houses, and straights become more common. The altered probabilities require players to reassess every preflop and postflop calculation.
This format grew popular in high-stakes circles, where experienced professionals embraced its aggressive rhythm. Fewer low cards mean stronger average hands, encouraging heavier preflop action and deeper analysis of range construction.
Short Deck suits those who already understand traditional Hold’em but want faster, more analytical play. The reduced deck introduces mathematical adjustments that refresh familiar strategies. It’s widely featured in invitation-only tournaments and online rooms catering to advanced players who enjoy exploring poker’s evolving mathematical side and anticipating draws defines strong play.
Five-Card Draw
Five-Card Draw is often the first poker variation people learn, thanks to its straightforward mechanics and reliance on bluffing. Each player receives five cards, followed by a round of betting. Then, players may discard any number of cards to draw new ones from the deck before a final betting round and showdown.
- Classic home format: The foundation of casual poker nights long before televised tournaments existed.
- Focus on psychology: Since opponents can’t see any cards, reading betting patterns is the main skill.
- Fast and compact: Only two betting rounds keep the pace quick without reducing tension.
- Digital revival: Many sites still feature Draw tables, reflecting its nostalgic yet competitive appeal.
If you enjoy playing poker with Bitcoin, you can check out the list for where to find this variant being played with cryptocurrency.
Seven-Card Stud
In Seven-Card Stud, each player begins with two cards face down and one face up, followed by additional streets of face-up and face-down cards until everyone holds seven. The objective is to create the best five-card combination from those seven cards.
There are no community cards in Stud, so observation becomes crucial. Every face-up card provides information about opponents’ possible hands, rewarding memory and attention to detail. Betting occurs on each round, keeping players engaged from start to finish.
Stud offers a slower tempo that appeals to methodical thinkers who prefer deduction over aggression. Though less common in modern rooms, it’s still a respected classic found in mixed events and home games alike.
Pineapple
Pineapple follows the structure of Texas Hold’em but introduces an interesting twist that changes how hands develop. Each player starts with three hole cards instead of two, and one of them must be discarded at a specific point in the round. That single change opens up new ways to strategize while keeping the pace light and social.
- Dealing and setup: Players receive three private cards before the flop. Betting begins as usual, creating early tension because everyone has extra possibilities for strong starting hands.
- The discard moment: Depending on the version, players must choose one card to throw away at a certain stage. In classic Pineapple, the discard happens before the flop. In Crazy Pineapple, players hold all three cards through the flop and discard one before the turn. Lazy Pineapple delays the decision even further, letting players see all community cards before choosing which to drop.
- Gameplay rhythm: After the discard, betting rounds proceed exactly like Texas Hold’em. The standard flop, turn, and river appear, and the best five-card hand wins. Because players see extra cards early, there’s more action before the flop and stronger hands in showdowns.
Pineapple encourages chatter and friendly competition. The discard adds humor and suspense, as players often reveal after the hand which card they threw away—sometimes to regret and laughter. Its relaxed structure makes it popular in home games and casual online matches where fun outweighs formality.
Razz
Razz flips the standard rules of hand ranking upside down. In this lowball version, the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand using traditional Stud mechanics. Straights and flushes don’t count against players, and aces are always low, making A-2-3-4-5 the perfect holding.
Every player receives seven cards, with betting rounds occurring after each deal. Because several cards are dealt face up, awareness of visible information becomes crucial. Tracking opponents’ exposed cards can reveal whether their draws are improving or collapsing.
Razz rewards patience and careful reading rather than aggression. It’s a staple of mixed formats and a favorite among methodical players who prefer long-term precision over dramatic swings.
Badugi
Badugi is a draw poker variant with roots in Asia that takes a distinct approach to hand rankings. Instead of chasing high-value combinations like pairs or straights, the goal is to build the lowest four-card hand made up of different suits and ranks. The best possible holding is A-2-3-4 in four unique suits, known as a “Badugi.” Any duplicate ranks or suits reduce the hand’s strength, so balance and precision matter more than luck alone.
Each round begins with four cards dealt face down. Players then enter a betting phase followed by up to three drawing rounds, discarding and replacing any number of cards in search of a cleaner combination. This constant exchange keeps tension high, as opponents reveal little about what they’re holding.
Choosing the Right Poker Type
Selecting a preferred poker format depends on comfort level, temperament, and learning goals. New players often start with Hold’em or Draw because they’re easier to follow, while those who enjoy complexity tend to move toward Omaha or mixed rotations.
Fast-paced games like Short Deck reward instinct and aggression, whereas Stud and Razz favor patience and calculation. Those looking for variety can rotate among formats to sharpen adaptability and deepen understanding of probability.
Players exploring online platforms can experiment with cash tables, tournaments, and creative community formats. The best approach is to try several games, study their flow, and find which matches your preferred decision-making style. Once that balance is discovered, poker becomes far richer and more enjoyable.
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