17 Popular Poker Types in 2024 (17 Popular Poker Variants)
When it comes to poker, people only know about Texas Hold’em and Omaha. But there are more poker types in town, all with the same standard rules, but with some differences that suit different players. They were mostly created in the U.S. in the mid-1800s and early 1900s.
Players in the United States are increasingly turning to online platforms to hone their skills and compete with opponents worldwide.
According to Custommarketinsights, the global online poker market will reach $170 billion in 2030. Therefore, it is more important than ever to understand different poker variants.
The more variants you learn, the more you will be able to expand your collection, adapt to different formats, and improve your overall game. Hence, join us as we explore the characteristics that differentiate each variant of poker.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore 17 of the most popular poker variants, taking a closer look at the rules, strategies, and characteristics of each variation.
What is Poker?
Poker is a well-loved card game that mixes luck and strategy. Using a standard 52-card deck, players aim to create the best hand or the most unique one.
Throughout the game, they place bets, relying on both math and gut feelings to beat their opponents.
The main idea in poker is that you can gain an edge by playing your hand differently than your opponents would if they could see all the cards. Some key strategies include value betting, bluffing, semi-bluffing, and gathering information.
The game includes forced bets, multiple betting rounds, and a showdown where the best hand wins the pot. Poker has exploded in popularity in the 21st century, with professional players, huge tournaments, and a big online community.
By 2030, the global online poker market is expected to reach $170 billion, growing at a rate of 12% annually from 2022 to 2030.
Before the pandemic, around 100 million people played poker regularly worldwide, with Texas Hold’em being the favorite variant for 53% of players. Globalbrandsmagazine reports that 60 million people play poker in the United States alone.
In the U.S., 5-6% of adults play poker regularly, and about 15% of 18-29 year-olds play. In addition, the online poker market in the U.S. and Canada is predicted to grow from $56 million in 2024 to $92 million by 2032. These stats are a clear indication of the increasing popularity of poker.
With more people using mobile devices and the internet, the poker industry is set to keep growing.
To succeed in poker, you have to understand the rules, hand rankings, and strategies involved in this exciting and complex game. There is no other way around.
17 Types of Poker (Popular Poker Variants)
1. Texas Hold’em
When it comes to popularity, Texas Hold’em is without a doubt the king of poker variants (Source). Texas Hold’em is known for its fast-paced gameplay and strategic depth.
In this game, each player is dealt two hole cards face down, and five community cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table.
Players use a combination of their hole cards and the community cards to form the best five-card poker hand.
The gameplay of Texas Hold’em is divided into four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. In the pre-flop round, players can choose to fold, call, or raise based on the strength of their hole cards.
The flop, turn, and river rounds each introduce additional community cards, and players can continue to bet, check, or fold as the hand progresses.
Texas Hold’em is played in various formats, including No-Limit, Limit, and Pot-Limit. In No-Limit Hold’em, players can bet any amount up to the size of the entire pot, allowing for high-stakes action and dramatic all-in moves.
Limit Hold’em has fixed bet sizes, making the game more about strategic decision-making than raw aggression.
Pot-Limit Hold’em is a hybrid, where players can bet up to the size of the current pot. A solid strategy in Texas Hold’em is to play a tight-aggressive style.
This involves playing a relatively small number of hands, but being willing to bet and raise aggressively with the strong hands you do play.
Paying attention to position, pot odds, and hand ranges can also help new players make more informed decisions and improve their overall game.
2. Omaha Hi
Omaha Hi is a community card poker game that shares many similarities with Texas Hold’em, but also has some key differences.
It is the second most popular poker type in the US (Source) In Omaha Hi, each player is dealt four hole cards face down, and five community cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table.
Players must use exactly two of their hole cards, combined with exactly three of the community cards, to form the best five-card poker hand.
The gameplay of Omaha Hi follows a similar structure to Texas Hold’em, with pre-flop, flop, turn, and river betting rounds.
However, the requirement to use exactly two hole cards and three community cards creates a different dynamic.
This means that hands that are strong in Texas Hold’em, such as pocket pairs or suited connectors, may not be as valuable in Omaha Hi.
One of the main differences between Omaha Hi and Texas Hold’em is the potential for bigger hands and more action.
With four-hole cards, players have more opportunities to make strong hands, and the requirement to use two-hole cards can lead to more complex decision-making.
For beginners, some key strategies in Omaha Hi include playing a tight range of starting hands, being aware of potential draws and nut hands, and managing pot odds effectively.
It’s also important to remember that position is crucial in Omaha Hi, as it allows players to gather information and control the size of the pot.
3. Omaha Hi-Lo
Omaha Hi-Lo, also known as Omaha 8 or Better, is a split-pot poker variant that combines elements of both high and low poker hands.
In this game, players compete to win both the high and low halves of the pot, with the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand each receiving a portion of the winnings.
The gameplay of Omaha Hi-Lo is similar to its Omaha High counterpart, with each player receiving four-hole cards and using a combination of two-hole cards and three community cards to form their hands. However, the key difference is the addition of the low-hand component.
To qualify for the low half of the pot, a player’s five-card hand must consist of cards ranked 8 or lower, with the best possible low hand being A-2-3-4-5.
One of the strategic points of Omaha Hi-Lo is the need to consider both high and low-hand possibilities simultaneously.
Players must not only seek to make the strongest high hand but also keep an eye out for potential low hands that can scoop the pot.
This dual focus can lead to more complex decision-making and a greater emphasis on hand reading and pot control.
For beginners, some key tips for Omaha Hi-Lo include playing a tighter range of starting hands, being aware of potential low draws, and managing pot odds effectively.
In addition, it is also important to understand the importance of position and the impact it can have on both high and low-hand possibilities.
4. 7-Card Stud
Seven-card stud is a classic variant of stud poker that was the most popular poker game in the United States before the rise of community card games like Texas Hold’em (Source).
In a seven-card stud, each player is dealt seven cards, three face-down (“hole cards”) and four face-up (“door cards”).
The goal is to make the best five-card poker hand from these seven cards. The game is played with 2-8 players and begins with each player posting an ante. Players are then dealt their initial three cards, with the lowest upcard making a “bring-in” forced bet.
Betting then proceeds in a clockwise fashion, with players able to check, bet, or fold. Over the next four rounds, each player receives one additional face-up card and one final face-down card, with betting after each new card is dealt.
Unlike community card games, seven-card stud relies heavily on the information provided by the visible cards. Players must carefully track the cards that have been folded or revealed by opponents to make informed decisions.
This makes seven-card stud a game of skill, where players use deduction and hand-reading abilities to gain an advantage.
Some key strategies in seven-card stud include playing tight early on, paying attention to opponents’ exposed cards, and maximizing the value of your hole cards.
In case you are a beginner, you should focus on mastering hand selection, betting patterns, and the ability to read the board.
5. 2-7 Triple Draw
2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball poker variant where players try to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Aces are high, and straights and flushes count against the player.
The game is typically played with a fixed-limit betting structure and a full table of 6 players. Each player is dealt 5 cards face down to start.
After the initial deal, there are 4 rounds of betting and 3 drawing rounds where players can discard and draw new cards to improve their hand.
The first active player to the left of the dealer button can choose to draw 0-5 cards or stand pat. This continues clockwise until all players have drawn.
The final round of betting occurs after the last draw. The player with the best 2-7 lowball hand at showdown wins the pot.
Key strategies include playing tight with only the best-starting hands containing a deuce, drawing no more than 3 cards if possible, and avoiding hands with a six which can easily make a straight.
2-7 Triple Draw is a fun and challenging game that requires skill in hand reading, position, and drawing decisions.
While it shares similarities with other draw poker variants, the triple-draw format adds an extra layer of complexity compared to single-draw games.
6. 5-Card Draw
Five-card draw is the simplest and most classic poker variant (Source), often learned by beginners as an introduction to the game.
The rules are straightforward – each player is dealt 5 cards, then has the option to discard and draw new cards in an attempt to improve their hand. There are two rounds of betting, one before and one after the draw.
The player with the best five-card poker hand at showdown wins the pot. Key strategies include playing a tight range of starting hands, especially from an early position, raising with strong hands, and managing your draws effectively.
Five-card draw is commonly played in home games but less so in casinos and tournaments. Some variants use a stripped deck with only Aces through 7s, which changes the hand rankings slightly.
7. 5-Card Omaha
5-Card Omaha, also known as Big O, is a variant of the popular Omaha poker game. In this version, each player is dealt 5-hole cards instead of the standard 4 in traditional Omaha (Source).
The objective remains the same – to make the best 5-card poker hand using exactly 2 of your hole cards and 3 of the 5 community cards on the board.
The gameplay follows a similar structure to Omaha, with pre-flop, flop, turn, and river betting rounds. However, the increased number of hole cards adds an extra layer of complexity and decision-making.
Players must carefully evaluate their starting hands and potential draws, as the prevalence of straights, flushes, and full houses is heightened.
Compared to Omaha Hi, 5-Card Omaha tends to be a more volatile and action-packed game. The additional hole card increases the likelihood of strong starting hands and the potential for big pots. This can lead to more aggressive play and bluffing, as players try to capitalize on their perceived advantages.
Winning strategies for 5-Card Omaha focus on hand selection, pot control, and adapting to the dynamic board textures.
Beginners should prioritize understanding hand rankings, mastering the mechanics of using 2-hole cards and 3-board cards, and developing a solid preflop strategy.
Advanced players can employ techniques like semi-bluffing, pot-sized betting, and hand reading to gain an edge.
8. Badugi
Badugi is a unique draw poker variant that differs significantly from traditional poker games. The objective in Badugi is to make the lowest possible four-card hand, with each card being of a different rank and suit. This is known as a “Badugi” hand.
The gameplay of Badugi follows a similar structure to other draw poker games, with players receiving an initial four-card hand and then having three opportunities to discard and draw new cards. However, the hand rankings and strategic considerations are quite different.
In Badugi, pairs and suited cards are undesirable, as they prevent a player from forming a complete Badugi.
The best possible hand is A-2-3-4 of four different suits. Compared to other draw poker variants like 5-Card Draw, Badugi places a greater emphasis on hand selection and draw planning.
Players must carefully evaluate their starting hands and the potential draws available to them, as the goal is to minimize the highest card in their final four-card hand.
Bluffing and pot control also become important factors, as players try to capitalize on their perceived advantages.
For beginners, some key strategies in Badugi include playing tighter preflop, understanding the relative hand rankings, and managing their draws effectively.
You should also be familiar with the mechanics of playing with only four cards and avoiding pairs or suits. Advanced players can also employ techniques like semi-bluffing and hand reading to gain an edge.
9. HORSE
HORSE is a popular mixed poker game that combines five different poker variants in a specific order: Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo (Eight or Better).
Each game is played for one round before moving to the next, and the rotation returns to Hold’em after the Stud Hi/Lo round is complete.
HORSE is played with a fixed-limit betting structure, meaning there are no pot-limit or no-limit games.
The games in HORSE can be divided into two types: Flop games (Hold’em and Omaha Hi/Lo) and Board games (Razz, Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo). Flop games involve hole cards and community cards, while Board games have some cards dealt face-up for all players to see.
Position is crucial in HORSE, with the button being important in Hold’em and Omaha Hi/Lo, while positions change with each street in the Board games.
To succeed in HORSE, players must understand the rules and strategies of each individual game and be able to adapt quickly as the game changes.
For a player to become proficient in HORSE, they must practice and gain experience in all five variants.
Poker tournaments like the $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship at the World Series of Poker are considered the ultimate test of a poker player’s skill.
10. Razz
Razz is a variant of seven-card stud poker where the objective is to make the lowest possible hand using five out of the seven cards dealt. It is played with a standard 52-card deck and typically involves 2-8 players.
The game follows a fixed-limit betting structure, with the small bet used in the first four rounds and the big bet used in the last three rounds.
The gameplay is similar to a seven-card stud, with each player receiving two hole cards face-down and one card face-up (the door card) to start.
Betting begins with the player showing the highest card, who must either fold or make a bring-in bet.
The remaining players then act in turn, either calling, raising, or folding. After the first round, a fourth card is dealt face-up to each player, followed by another round of betting.
This continues until all players have seven cards, with the fifth, sixth, and seventh cards dealt face-up. The key differences from other stud variants are the hand rankings and the objective.
In Razz, straights and flushes do not count, and the best hand is A-2-3-4-5, with the Ace always counting as the lowest card.
The lowest hand wins the pot, rather than the highest. To succeed in Razz, you must focus on building the worst possible hand, while also considering your opponents’ potential hands and betting patterns.
Tight starting hand selection, position awareness, and the ability to read tells are crucial skills for Razz players.
If you are a beginner, you should start with a tight range of starting hands and gradually expand as you gain experience and confidence in the game.
11. Chinese Poker
Chinese Poker is a unique poker variant that differs significantly from more common poker games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha.
In Chinese Poker, each player is dealt 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck and must arrange them into three separate hands: a 5-card “back” hand, a 5-card “middle” hand, and a 3-card “front” hand.
The key rules are that the back hand must be the strongest, the middle hand must be stronger than the front hand, and the front hand must be the weakest of the three.
After setting their hands, players reveal and compare them against their opponents.
Points are awarded based on how each individual hand ranks against the corresponding hand of the other players.
Players can also earn bonus “royalty” points for making strong hands like flushes or full houses. A player who beats all three of an opponent’s hands in a single round (a “scoop”) earns additional points.
The gameplay in Chinese Poker emphasizes hand-setting strategy and the ability to quickly evaluate card combinations.
It also has a high chance of luck, as players must make the best of the 13 cards they are dealt. Successful Chinese Poker players need to balance risk-taking, hand-reading, and adaptability as they navigate the game’s unique structure and scoring system.
The key to success in this engaging and fast-paced variant of poker is understanding hand rankings and developing instincts for setting hands.
12. Short Deck
Short Deck, also known as Six Plus or 6+ Hold’em, is a variant of the popular Texas Hold’em poker game. The key difference is that the deck is “short” – the 2, 3, 4, and 5 cards are removed, leaving a 36-card deck with the lowest card being the 6.
The gameplay follows the same structure as Texas Hold’em, with players being dealt two hole cards and then five community cards being dealt over the course of four betting rounds.
However, the reduced deck size significantly impacts the hand rankings and probabilities.
For example, flushes now beat full houses, and it is easier to hit sets and straights. The reduced deck also makes certain starting hands more valuable, as the chances of completing strong hands like sets and straights are higher.
While the top pair and high card hands are weaker, as opponents are more likely to have better made hands.
Successful Short Deck players must adapt their strategy accordingly, playing a tighter range of starting hands and being more aggressive when they do connect with the board.
As a beginner poker player, it is essential to thoroughly understand the revised hand rankings and the increased probability of certain hands.
By doing so, you can adjust your starting hand selection and betting patterns accordingly, which will significantly improve your gameplay and decision-making.
13. Pineapple
Pineapple Poker is a variant of the popular Texas Hold’em poker game, with a key difference in the initial card dealing. In Pineapple, each player is dealt 3 hole cards instead of the standard 2 in Texas Hold’em.
Before the pre-flop betting round, players must discard one of their 3 hole cards, keeping only 2 to use for the remainder of the hand.
The gameplay of Pineapple otherwise follows the same structure as Texas Hold’em, with the community cards (flop, turn, river) being dealt and players betting accordingly to make the best 5-card hand.
The objective is still to make the highest-ranking poker hand using a combination of your hole cards and the community cards.
The key difference is that Pineapple gives players more flexibility in selecting their starting hand, as they can choose the two most favorable cards from the initial 3 dealt.
This can lead to some interesting strategic considerations, as players must weigh the value of their three-hole cards and decide which one to discard.
Pineapple also slightly increases the odds of making strong starting hands compared to Texas Hold’em.
For beginners, the main tips are to focus on playing tighter starting hands, as the extra hole card can tempt players to play marginal hands.
Pay close attention to position and pot odds, and quickly evaluate and discard the weakest of the three-hole cards.
14. 8 Game Poker
8-Game Mix is a popular poker variant that combines eight different poker games into one tournament or cash game.
The games included are Limit 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Limit Seven Card Stud, Limit Stud Hi-Lo, No-Limit Hold’em, and Pot-Limit Omaha.
The game changes every six hands or levels in a tournament, rotating through the eight variants.
In 8-Game, the game is played with six players at a table. The goal is to win the pot, which is the aggregate of all bets made by players in a deal.
The pot can be won by having the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. The rules and hand rankings for each of the eight poker variants apply when that game is being played.
Some key differences from individual poker variants are that 8-Game includes both limit and no-limit games, while most mixed games are limit only.
The blinds and antes decrease when switching to the no-limit and pot-limit games to keep the stakes consistent.
For beginners, the key is to learn the rules and basic strategy for all eight games. Focus on playing tight and only playing strong hands, but be willing to call with weaker hands against opponents who are weak in a particular game.
Identify weak players and take advantage by betting with strong hands, as they will often call with weaker holdings.
15. Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud Poker is a casino table game that is a variation of the traditional American Five-Card Stud Poker. It is a simple game to learn and play, where players bet against the house rather than each other.
To play, each player makes an “ante” bet to receive their five-card hand, which is dealt face-down. The dealer also receives five cards, with one card dealt face-up.
Players then decide whether to “fold” and forfeit their ante, or “raise” by placing a bet that is double their ante.
The dealer’s hand must qualify with at least an Ace King or better for the game to continue. If the dealer does not qualify, players who did not fold are paid even money on their ante bets.
If the dealer qualifies and the player’s hand beats the dealer’s, the player is paid based on the strength of their hand, with payouts ranging from 1:1 for a pair up to 100:1 for a royal flush.
Unlike traditional poker variants, Caribbean Stud Poker is an individual pursuit against the house, rather than a competition between players.
This creates a more relaxed and stress-free environment, as the success or failure of one player does not affect the others.
Strategies for Caribbean Stud Poker include always raising with a pair or higher, and folding with less than the dealer’s qualifying hand. Additionally, considering the dealer’s visible card can provide valuable insight into the strength of their hand.
16. Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game that combines elements of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow and the American game of Poker.
It is played with a standard 52-card deck plus a single joker, which can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush.
The objective is to create a five-card poker hand and a two-card poker hand that beat the dealer’s hands.
Each player receives seven cards and arranges them into a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand, with the high hand outranking the low hand. The dealer also sets a five-card and two-card hand according to the “House Way”.
Unlike traditional poker variants, Pai Gow Poker is played against the dealer rather than other players. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere, as the success or failure of one player does not affect the others.
Additionally, Pai Gow Poker uses a unique hand ranking system, with the “wheel” (A-2-3-4-5) being the second-highest straight in most casinos.
Strategies for beginners include always playing the dealer’s hand according to the “House Way” unless you are very confident in your poker skills, and considering the dealer’s visible card when deciding how to play your hand. It’s also important to manage your bankroll and set a loss limit to avoid chasing losses.
17. Heads Up Poker
Heads-up poker is a variant of poker played exclusively between two players. It can be played in any poker format, but the rules differ slightly from multi-player games, particularly in community card games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
In a heads-up, the blinds are reversed, with the player on the button posting the small blind and acting first pre-flop.
The strategy for heads-up poker is vastly different from multi-handed games. Since there are only two players, the chances of having the best hand are much higher, leading to a more aggressive style of play.
Bluffing becomes easier as you only need to convince one opponent to fold. A general rule is to play around 70% of your hands pre-flop, as folding too often can be costly.
Aggression is key in heads-up poker. Tight play is often unprofitable, as your opponent will win numerous small pots, negating your advantage. It’s important to read your opponent and adjust your strategy accordingly.
For example, against an aggressive player, you may want to tighten up and value bet strong hands, while against a passive player, you can open your ranges and bluff more.
Other tips for beginners include managing your bankroll, avoiding folding pre-flop unless your opponent makes a big raise, and playing aggressively when on the button.
Conclusion
A wide variety of poker types continues to flourish, each offering a unique challenge and a different strategy. While Texas Hold’em and Omaha remain dominant, lesser-known games like Badugi, Pineapple, and HORSE are gaining popularity, particularly online, where the global market is projected to exceed $170 billion.
Any serious player who seeks to enhance their skills and adaptability should be familiar with these poker variants.
Regardless of the variation, whether it be 5-Card Draw or Chinese Poker, each requires distinct strategies along with a thorough understanding of the rules.
With poker’s popularity skyrocketing, both in live settings and online, learning these variations will give you an advantage over your competitors.