The Different Kinds of Poker Games

Poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular card games in the world. It’s referenced all the time in mainstream movies like Casino Royale or Rounders.

It’s also one of the most popular televised competitions in the world, especially with the World Series of Poker. However, when it comes to poker, not many people realize that there are actually numerous variations to the game. This is only natural considering the sheer popularity of the card game. It’s a card game that’s played in dimly lit rooms in back alleys as well as under the brightest lights of Las Vegas casinos. Any online casino USA [3] gamblers have access to is likely to offer poker as an option. Poker is a beloved sport and for this article, it’s time to explore the many ways that poker is played.

Definition of Terms

Stud - Stud games in poker are when players are dealt a certain number of cards. In most cases, they are dealt around five to seven cards for every hand. Then, players must make the best possible hand out of those cards that they are dealt.

Draw - As the name implies, draw games in poker are when players have the option of trading the cards in their hand (usually up to three) in order to improve the strength of their hand.

Community - A community card game is when there is a set of cards that is laid out onto the table and is available for use for everyone who is playing. These cards are dealt face up and are combined with the “hole” cards that players are dealt individually. Hole cards are cards that only apply to the player who is holding them and are dealt face down.

Most Popular Poker Games

With the standard terms and definitions out of the way, let’s talk about some of the most popular poker games now.

Texas Hold ‘Em

Texas Hold ‘Em is the most popular form of poker wherein players are dealt two hole cards each. Then, after a round of betting, five community cards are laid out in the order of the three-card flop, the turn, and the river. A round of betting takes place in between the flop, turn, and river. The object of the game is to come up with the best five-hand combination possible.

Omaha

Omaha is a lot like Texas Hold ‘Em except that all five community cards are revealed all at once. Also, instead of just being dealt with two hole cards, players are dealt with five. Still, the object of the game is to come up with the best five-hand combination possible even though players have nine total cards at their disposal.

7-Card Stud

Earlier, we learned that stud poker means playing only with cards that are dealt to you. In 7-card stud, players are each dealt seven cards. Three of them are dealt face down with the rest of them face up. The players then have to come up with the best five-hand combination out of the seven cards they are dealt with.

5-Card Draw

With 5-card draw, the objective of the game is to still form the best five-hand combination. All players are dealt five cards upfront. However, they have the option to trade in up to three of their cards.

Final Say

There are many other variations to poker and it’s really no wonder why the game continues to be so popular. There are many nuances to the game and it’s different from other casino games because it requires a great deal of strategy and skill. The element of competition is also a great appeal to many gamblers and that’s why poker still manages to garner so many fans around the world despite being around for so long.