Poker has come a long way over the centuries to become a varied game with several variations, each with its own challenges and strategies. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, knowing the variations will improve your poker experience. Let’s look at some of the most well-known poker games and how each one differs.

Texas Hold’em

Perhaps the most popular form of poker, Texas Hold’em is the game of choice for both recreational and serious players. Each player is dealt two hidden cards (hole cards) and must combine them with five community cards to form the best five-card hand. The combination of strategy, psychology, and flexibility makes the game suitable for high-level tournaments.

Sorel Mizzi says, “Position and patience are what you need in Texas Hold’em. Play solid hands in good position, and don’t be afraid to fold when you’re beat.” Reading people, smart betting, and playing aggressively are the secrets to winning in the game.

Omaha

Similar to Texas Hold’em, Omaha raises the stakes by giving players four hole cards instead of two. However, players must use two of their hole cards and three of the five community cards to make a hand. The additional hole cards increase the difficulty of the game, requiring more hand-reading and strategic risk-taking skills.

Sorel Mizzi advises, “Omaha rewards discipline and deep thinking. Many players overvalue their hands—stay selective and don’t chase weak draws.” The depth of strategy in the game makes it ideal for players who wish to elevate their poker game to the next level.

Seven-Card Stud

Before the era of community card games like Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud was the preferred game. Here, seven cards are dealt to the players—three are dealt face-down and four are face-up—but the players must make the best five-card hand using these cards without recourse to the community cards. Players have no community cards to work with, and so they must rely on memory and observational skill to track their opponents’ potential hands.

Sorel Mizzi states, “In Stud, it’s helpful to know what gets folded. Having an idea what’s not in play is an advantage.” Familiarity with Seven-Card Stud requires careful observation and savvy betting.

Five-Card Draw

Perhaps the most fundamental form of poker, Five-Card Draw is not uncommonly the first form in which new players are dealt. Each player is given five distinct cards and has the option to exchange any of them for new cards once. There are no shared cards, so the game is actually one of bluffing and observation. As such, it’s a great primer for fundamental poker skills.

Conclusion

There are so many styles of poker, and there are so many styles to fit so many different skill sets and playing styles. If you like the aggressive thinking of Texas Hold’em, the strategy depth of Omaha, or the psychological wars of Five-Card Draw, studying these variations will deepen your love for and skill at the game. Shuffle up and deal—poker’s waiting for you!