Poker Variations

It is a common assumption that poker is a singular game with predefined rules and strict dealers. One might be in for a shock, as that is far from the truth. There are multiple poker variations with different rules and pot sizes that cater to many skill sets.

This is exactly why people love playing poker. Each person generates curiosity for one of the variants and eventually masters it. This article gives a list of all types of poker games and a detailed explanation of them. So, come along with us as we explore the basics of poker variations!

Types Of Poker Games

Poker card games come in different variants, each with rules and regulations to which the players must adhere. Here are some of the top examples of types of poker games –

• Omaha Poker
• Texas Holdem Poker
• 5 Card Draw
• Super Hold'Em Poker
• Omaha Hi-Lo
• Short Deck
• Razz Poker
• Horse Poker
• Badugi Poker
• Pineapple Poker
• Ofc Poker
• Chinese Poker
• 7 Card Stud
• 2 7 Triple Draw
• Indian Poker
• Strip Poker

Let’s know in detail about the above discussed variants of Indian poker game: 

Omaha Poker

You might think different poker games have completely different gameplay, but you will be surprised to know that the statement doesn't always hold. Omaha Hi is similar to Hold 'em in that they have similar rules regarding betting and blinds. However, they both take a different stance regarding the number of hole cards involved in the game.

This card game has different poker games: Omaha, 5-Card Omaha and Courchevel. It is the second most famous type of poker after Texas Hold 'em. The "Hi" in the game's name signifies that the highest hand in the poker card game takes home the pot after the showdown.

All poker games are played differently, and there is a limit on the pot. Hence it is referred to as Pot-Limit Omaha. If one knows how to play Hold 'em, it is extremely easy for them to learn Omaha because they both contain almost the same features.

Texas Holdem Poker

Texas Hold 'em is one of the most famous types of poker out of all poker games. Many online poker rooms would showcase a wide range of tables and games featuring this type of poker game. It is one of the easiest poker variants to learn and is always preferred by amateurs and beginners if they want to have a good time playing poker. 

Anyone can learn to play this variant by taking online workshops or studying books to get started with Texas Hold 'em. It involves 7 cards, of which 5 community cards can be shared among other players to make the best possible hand. Following the general ranking system, the winning hand should consist of 5 cards.

5 Card Draw

In this type of poker game, the players must make the highest 5-card hand. This variant is quite different and interesting compared to all poker games. Here, players can hide their cards without sharing them with the other players.

However, this later becomes difficult to play, given you cannot judge other players' cards and work on attacking their weak spots. Since there are only three rounds in this poker game, as opposed to all, it is quite easy for beginners to learn this among other poker card games.

Super Hold'Em Poker

Super Hold'Em Poker is a new version of Texas Holdem, bringing twists and turns to give your players their best poker game. In this variant players are dealt three opening credit cards instead of both regular holes playing cards to offer additional hand strength and playability. This format offers a whole new level to the game, and that is why it has gained widespread popularity among players. 

The game unfolds like Texas Hold'em, with the same betting rounds and cards shared on the board, but because there is another hole card in play, outcomes are wilder. This game will be especially appropriate for those who like Texas Hold'em but seek something new and different from a regular classic.

Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo comes under the poker card game of Omaha. This game is usually played at a nine or six-handed table compared to Omaha. The gameplay of this type of poker game is quite similar to that of Omaha concerning betting and blinds.

Since this variant differs from plain Omaha, it follows a rule allowing the dealer to split the pot equally at the showdown. The pot is distributed between the highest and lowest 5-card hands. This poker card game is available only in selective online poker rooms and is not as famous as the earlier variants.

Short Deck

Short Deck, or Six Plus Hold’em, is a poker variation that became very popular in Asia. It is based on the classic Texas Hold’em, but there are several unique features in the game. The most critical factor is that the deck is shortened to 36 cards by removing cards from 2 to 5. It changes the game situation significantly, making it faster and increasing the number of good hands. 

Additionally, due to the smaller range, a flush ranks above a full house in this game, and aces can play as a low card in a straight (A-6-7-8-9). The increased popularity of Short Deck because of the high-speed action and the need for strategic adjustments.

Raaz Poker

Razz Poker differs from Seven-Card Stud as it's a lowball form of poker. Here, the best five-card hand consists of cards from 5 through ace. Straights and flushes have no impact unless a player has the best possible hand: A-2-3-4-5, or "the wheel." In this game, each player receives three starting cards, with one dealt face up and two face down. 

A series of betting follows until each player receives their 6th card, dealt face up. This differs from many traditional poker games found in great online casinos, which encourage players to obtain high-scoring hands.

Horse Poker

HORSE poker type is a mixed-game format that combines five separate variants of poker: Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight-or-Better (Stud 8). The game changes with each round moving horizontally down the acronym H.O.R.S.E., and hence, so does play order. This format truly challenges individual poker skill and versatility, requiring competence across multiple disciplines. 

HORSE is a staple in high-stakes cash games and major poker tournaments, such as the $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the WSOP. This format tests both poker skill and general knowledge, as players must continuously adapt their strategies to the changing rules of each game.

Badugi Poker

Badugi Poker is an unusual and, quite frankly, very interesting variant of draw poker that had its origins in Asia. Leave to say that Badugi offers a different twist than traditional poker types games as it is played using the lowball hand rankings. Here, you are required to attempt and make the lowest possible four card hand. 

The strongest hand in Badugi is A-2-3-4, with no two cards being the same suit. Each player is dealt four cards and has three draw rounds to discard some or all of their hand, replacing the discarded cards from a common deck. Aces always count as 1, and pairs, trips, etc., are counted against the player.

Pineapple Poker

Pineapple poker is a variant of the popular Texas Hold'em that adds some flavor content to this traditional game. Players receive three hole cards instead of two, and after the flop, they must discard one. This adds an extra dimension in decision making, ensuring players must give careful consideration as to which card they want to discard. 

The game follows the rules of Texas Hold'em, with betting rounds and community cards dealt along the way. This format offers a blend of the familiar and the new, making Pineapple Poker ideal for experienced players to test their adaptability. It also provides beginners with a challenging yet fresh poker environment.

OfC Poker

Open-face Chinese (OFC) Poker is unlike any other variant in its gameplay or strategic depth. Players are dealt one card at a time and have to make three separate hands. The cards can be two attached five-card high and middle (top) holes and connected triad lower part holes. Here, the idea is to create three better hands than the other team, with no shuffling of card sequences once they are set.

Points are awarded to players based on hand rankings, and just as in standard poker. Premium hands such as royal flushes or straight flushes earn corresponding royalties. OFC has an iconic dynamic that is interesting as well. Its open layout lets each player see their opponents progress through the hands, which adds another level of strategy regarding risk and how you place your cards.

Chinese Poker

Chinese Poker, also called Pusoy or Russian Poker, is a challenging variation that tests skill and strategic thinking. Unlike regular poker, Chinese Poker is usually played with 13 cards per player. They all are dealt out into three hands : two five card hands (top and middle)Hands one shore(under belief in that respect). 

The aim is to combine and assemble these hands in a way that would make the complete hand better or stronger than all your opponents. Its strategic core comes from players drawing and placing cards face-up one at a time, in which each move influences the next. The win is dependent upon a blend that balances strong hands at all three positions with some attention to the game-specific scoring rules (between which there can be dramatic differences). 

7 Card Stud Poker

7 Card Stud is one of the poker variations, made notorious by its structured wagering rounds that include thoughtful strategy. All players are dealt seven cards during the hand, but not all of those cards will be used to determine who wins at the Showdown. Usually, the game starts with every player getting two hole cards and a door card. 

People bet on the strength of their unseen cards, with more face-up rounds reducing the element of luck. This means skill plays a bigger role among good poker players. More than anything else, this format requires an intuition about the strength of hands and being able to read other players as you are forced to fold, call, or raise.

2 7 Triple Draw

2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball game where you try to make the worst hand possible. Each player is dealt five cards to start and has five chances across three rounds to draw new cards. In 2-7 Triple Draw, straights and flushes count against the player, so the best hand is 2-3-4-5-7.

Players have limited control over which cards are drawn and must plan strategically. Ensure you turn the smallest unpaired card while avoiding higher-ranked ones. Deceptive players often reap rewards by monitoring others' strategies and managing their cards carefully.

Indian Poker

The Indian version of poker consists of a mixture of old card games and modern competitive games. What distinguishes Indian poker is its adaptation of Texas Hold 'em, which is sometimes followed by Omaha, blended with desi things such as Teen Patti and Rummy. Both experienced people who have made fortunes over the years, as well as newbies, are attracted by such a mixture.

This game enables online and offline poker rooms to increase quickly. Indian poker has made the sport both nationally and internationally popularized through the Indian Poker Championship as well as WPT India tournaments. Therefore, technological advancements have played a significant role in promoting Indian poker, contributing towards innovation while also retaining players' interest. This game is based on its intricate strategies, hence escalating its popularity among the locals who gamble in India.

Strip Poker

Strip poker combines gambling with clothes removal, adding a fun twist to regular poker. Players take off clothes after losing a hand. It's often played among friends at parties for fun. 

All players must be willing to abide by the rules and participate. The game aims to have fun and includes respectful concepts. Additionally, it can be played with all sorts of things like buttons, bottles, beads etc.

What Are Mixed Poker Games

Mixed poker games offer an exciting experience by combining different variants into one thrilling format. Here are some of the most popular types of mixed poker games:

1. HORSE: HORSE is perhaps the most well-known mixed poker game, consisting of five different variants played in rotation: Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight or Better (Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo). Each variant is typically played for a set number of hands before rotating to the next game.

2. 8-Game Mix: 8-Game Mix, also known as H.O.R.S.E.H.A., expands on the concept of HORSE by incorporating three additional games: No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and 2-7 Triple Draw. This format tests players' versatility across a wider range of poker disciplines.

3. 10-Game Mix: Similar to 8-Game Mix, the 10-Game Mix incorporates even more poker variants into the rotation. In addition to the games featured in 8-Game Mix, 10-Game Mix includes variants such as Badugi and Badacey, challenging players to adapt to an even broader spectrum of poker styles.

4. Mixed Hold'em/Omaha: Mixed Hold'em/Omaha combines two of the most popular poker variants, alternating between rounds of No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha. This format requires players to adjust their strategies accordingly, as the dynamics of each game vary significantly.

5. Dealer's Choice: In Dealer's Choice, the player designated as the dealer gets to choose the poker variant to be played for each hand or orbit. This format allows for a wide variety of games to be included, ranging from traditional variants like Texas Hold'em to more obscure games like Pineapple or Crazy Pineapple.

6. Mixed Stud: Mixed Stud games incorporate various stud variants, such as Seven Card Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, and Razz, into the rotation. Players must be adept at playing different stud games, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies.

7. Mixed Draw: Mixed Draw games involve rotating through different draw poker variants, including classics like Five Card Draw and 2-7 Triple Draw. These games challenge players to make the best hand possible with limited opportunities to improve their holdings.

Poker Variations you can Play on Mega Poker

There are various options, but the most popular card games on Mega Poker are Rummy and Texas Hold Em.The poker game allows players to participate in gameplay, contests, and tournaments to win real cash and exclusive prizes. You can also participate in the paid leaderboards of Poker and Rummy to win additional prize money or rewards.

Now that you know a fair share about different poker variants, how about trying your hand at them one by one and winning big money as well? Download the GetMega Poker app and register yourself to play different contests.

FAQs About Types of Poker Game

How many variations of poker are there?

• There are many variations of poker, with popular ones including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and more. In total, there are over a dozen commonly played poker game variations.

What is the best variation of poker?

• The best variation of poker is often considered to be Texas Hold'em due to its popularity and widespread play. Among all poker games, it offers a balance of skill and strategy.

What is the hardest form of poker?

• The hardest form of poker is often thought to be Omaha Hi-Lo, due to its complex hand combinations and strategies. This poker variety requires a deep understanding of split pot dynamics.

What is the easiest version of poker?

• The easiest version of poker for beginners is generally considered to be Five Card Draw. It's simple to learn and often the first game people play from the poker card games list.