As arguably the world’s most popular card game, poker has a long history around the world. Various versions of the game have been created over the years, giving players an opportunity to always take on a new challenge. The game has grown in popularity thanks to internationally televised and online events like the World Series of Poker.
If you’ve ever visited a casino, you may have noticed people playing different versions of the game. While the versions are similar, some specific rules and strategies make each one unique. Keep reading to learn about the most popular types of poker.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold ’em is arguably the world’s most popular version of poker. If you’ve watched the World Series of Poker, you’re familiar with this version of the game. Although it’s not as easy to learn as Five Card Draw, the rules are pretty straightforward and not overly complex.
If you’re new to the game or a veteran looking to brush up your skills, playing free poker online at a website like Global Poker is an excellent way to improve your mastery of the game. Just remember, the goal in Texas Hold ’em is to get the best five-card hand possible to beat your opponents.
Seven-Card Stud
When visiting a casino, people often ask themselves what they should wear. If you plan to spend your time at the poker table, you won’t have to worry too much about the dress code. Instead, you can focus on mastering the game and defeating your opponents. Before Texas Hold’em exploded in popularity, seven-card stud was one of the most popular versions of poker.
Once you’ve mastered Texas Hold’em, you’ll be ready to move on to seven-card stud. In this game, the dealer gives you both face-up and face-down cards. Your goal is to make the best five-card hand from seven cards. The royal flush is the best hand and the high card the worst. Keep an eye on your opponent’s cards as you play this game to maximize your chances of winning.
Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is also famously known as the Cantrell Draw. If you’re looking for a poker variation that’s easy to master, or you’re just starting out in poker, this game should be at the top of your list. The rules are almost identical to Texas Hold ’em with a few minor tweaks.
Each player starts the game with five face-down cards. After all the cards are dealt, players start placing their bets. If any players remain after the first round, they get to choose the cards they would like to exchange. After that, they place new bets, and if there’s more than one person left at the end, the person holding five cards wins the game.
Omaha Hold’em
This version of poker could easily be mixed up with Texas Hold ’em if it weren’t for two major differences: players receive four cards instead of two at the start of a game, and all five of the community cards are turned over simultaneously unlike Texas Hold ’em where they’re spread out over three rounds.
You’ll want to learn Omaha Hold’em after you’ve mastered Texas Hold’em because they’re so similar. Knowing one will make it easier to learn the other. The goal of Omaha is the same as in Texas Hold’em, combining your cards with the community cards to create the best hand possible. In Omaha Hold’em, you can only use two of the cards you’re dealt to make a winning hand.
Video Poker
Many poker enthusiasts will tell you that video poker isn’t the same as regular poker, and they wouldn’t be wrong. However, it’s a great choice when you want to take a break from the live poker tables. As many casino games have moved online, this machine-based version of the popular card game has become increasingly popular.
