Casino Knowledge: The Most Popular Variants of Poker

Poker is one of the most popular card games around the world and has made it into the mainstream largely with the advent of online casinos. Nowadays there are numerous international tournaments that are enjoying a growing audience and have already produced champions who are celebrated like pop stars among real poker fans – because besides luck, it is above all skill that separates the wheat from the chaff.

If you are not familiar with the subject, you will probably think of Texas Hold’em first and foremost when you hear the term “poker”. This variant of the game is so popular that it is often used interchangeably with poker. However, this is wrong, as there are a large number of types of game, some of which differ greatly from one another and require different strategies.

Only a few really know all facets of the game and can differentiate between the different game variants and rules. Each game variant can also be broken down into other ways of playing. In order to shed a little light into the darkness and to provide some relief for beginners, we present the most popular poker variants below and give a little insight into the various facets of the most popular card game in the world.

Casino Knowledge – Texas Hold’em Poker

Texas Hold’em Poker is considered to be one of the easiest forms of poker, which is what makes the game so popular with beginners. However, in addition to a solid knowledge of the probabilities of your own poker hand, you also need a sophisticated strategy in order to advance from beginner to poker champion. In Texas Hold’em, participants play with two cards, the hole cards, and a total of five community cards. These community cards are gradually revealed in a total of four rounds and, to put it simply, players can decide to bet or fold. The aim of the game is to reach the highest poker hand in the showdown.

Casino Knowledge – Omaha Hold’em

Omaha Hold’em evolved from Texas Hold’em and is therefore subject to a very similar way of playing. One big difference becomes clear right from the start: While the players in Texas Hold’em get two cards, in Omaha Hold’em they get four cards. This fact alone makes Omaha Hold’em a little more complicated than the Texas Hold’em variant. Nevertheless, Omaha Hold’em enjoys great popularity and is also very widespread – Omaha Hold’em is an integral part of the World Series of Poker.

Casino Knowledge – Stud Poker

There are many different variations in Stud Poker, but the seven-card variation, also known as Seven Card Stud, is the most popular. In this variant, the player receives a total of seven cards within several rounds. In the first round the player receives two cards face down and one face up. As a result of the next rounds, bets are made and three more open and finally one face-down cards are dealt.

Casino Knowledge – Razz Poker

Razz Poker is played in the same way as Seven Card Stud, but the object of the game is to aim for the lowest poker hand – straights and flushes do not exist in this version. Those who have just gotten used to Seven Card Stud Poker will probably have their problems with Razz, as a different approach leads to victory.

Casino Knowledge – Draw Poker

The specialty of Draw Poker lies above all in the interactions between the various players, as the rules allow cards to be exchanged with one another. This variant is rarely found, but perfect for an amusing game evening with close friends.

Casino Knowledge – Open Face Chinese Poker

Open Face Chinese Poker is suitable for two to four players, with each player receiving 3 hands from a total of 13 cards. While the front hand contains three cards, the middle and back hands contain five cards each. The back hand must be stronger or equal to the middle hand and the middle hand stronger or equal to the front hand. The order of the cards can be freely chosen by the players but cannot be changed later. The aim of the game is that the individual hands are stronger than the opponents. Even if this variant is very varied, it is relatively difficult to see through for beginners.

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