Poker is the most famous card game and many would argue that it’s also the most iconic casino game of all. One of the reasons for its popularity lies in the diverse set of variants that poker offers to players.
You may have heard of Texas Hold ‘Em and while that’s the most common version of poker, there are many others. Options such as Omaha and Seven-card stud are among many other available games. There’s clearly plenty to choose from, but which is the best?
Start with a Classic
If you’ve watched a professional poker tournament on TV, or have seen a fictional game in a movie, chances are it would have been based on Texas Hold ‘Em. It is the most common variant between online poker players and those who play in physical venues.
Texas Hold ‘Em has all the elements of drama and strategy that a game needs. Opponents assemble around the table and the first round of dealing sees each player receive two cards face down.
The community cards are now dealt: Three initial cards are dealt, face up, in the middle of the table and these are known as the flop. These are followed by two further community cards, known as the turn and the river.
After each deal, a round of betting follows: Players can either raise their bet or they can fold if they feel they have no chance of winning.
There may be easier versions to play, but this is considered to be the classic poker game. There are many options for free play too, so Texas Hold’Em is relatively easy to learn.
Omaha
Like several other poker games, Omaha is closely linked to Texas Hold’em. There are similarities and all players receive opening cards, before a community hand is dealt. In this version of the game, each player is dealt four cards to start the round.
Staking follows and the community cards are now delivered. Once again, there is a flop, a turn and a river, so there are five of these cards once the round is complete. The difference with Omaha is that players can use just two of their four opening cards to compile the best possible hand.
It’s a variant of poker that gives more chances to complete a winning hand. However, the same applies to your opponents who also have two extra cards to consider. Behind Texas Hold’em, Omaha is the most popular poker version right now and the similarities between the two games play a significant part in that factor.
Seven Card Stud
So far, the poker games we’ve seen require patience and calmness at the table. They are extended versions, but if you prefer your card games to carry a faster pace, Seven Card Stud could be a good choice.
This variant requires a minimum of two players and a maximum of eight, and the key difference with this title is the fact that there are no community cards. Players have to make the best possible hand from the individual cards that they receive.
Dealing begins and each player receives three cards. Two are face down and the other, known as the ‘Door’ is face up. A round of staking follows until players have seven cards, three face up and four face down.
Players then assemble their best hand from those seven cards. Seven Card Stud may be another good poker option for beginners. It’s easy to follow the rules, and because so many cards are face up, you have a better chance of assessing your opponents’ hands.
Razz
The online casino industry needs to keep innovating in order for things to remain interesting. That’s why we often see some seriously unusual versions of poker with weird twists on the classic rules.
Razz is one example, and in this game, the object is to assemble the lowest possible hand. Full houses and straights don’t work here, but if you have a smaller pair or a ten high, you’re in with a chance.
It’s a good idea to play Razz only when you’ve got more experience of the poker tables. The rules of this game go against everything you’ve learned about poker, so bookmark it, and consider a few hands at a later date.
These are among the best poker games to play right now, and the most popular among poker-playing celebrities and athletes, but there are many more options for players. That desire for the industry to keep innovating also means that we are sure to see many more variants appear online in the near future.
Take some time to consider the mechanics of each game before you get involved. If possible, play a few hands for free, using trial options at your online casino, and you should be able to master your strategy and improve your game.
