Poker is one of the most diverse and thrilling card games in the world, with countless variations that cater to every player’s style—whether you love fast-paced action, strategic depth, or high-stakes drama. At Globet365 Poker, we break down the most popular poker variants, their rules, and key strategies to help you find the perfect game for your next session.
1. Texas Hold’em – The King of Poker
Why it’s popular: The most widely played poker variant, featured in the WSOP (World Series of Poker) and televised tournaments.
How to Play:
- Each player gets 2 private cards (hole cards).
- 5 community cards are dealt face-up (flop, turn, river).
- Players make the best 5-card hand using any combination of their hole cards and the community cards.
Best for: Beginners and pros alike—simple to learn but deep in strategy.
2. Omaha – The Action-Packed Alternative
Why it’s different: Similar to Texas Hold’em, but with 4 hole cards instead of 2, leading to bigger hands and more excitement.
Key Rules:
- Players must use exactly 2 hole cards + 3 community cards to form a hand.
- Often played as Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), where bets are capped at the pot size.
Best for: Players who enjoy complex decision-making and big pots.
3. Seven-Card Stud – A Classic Poker Experience
Why it’s unique: No community cards—each player gets their own mix of face-up and face-down cards.
How It Works:
- Players receive 3 cards initially (2 down, 1 up).
- Four more cards are dealt (3 up, 1 down), with betting rounds in between.
- The best 5-card hand wins.
Best for: Those who prefer reading opponents over board dynamics.
4. Five-Card Draw – Simple & Nostalgic
Why it’s fun: A straightforward, old-school poker game often played in home games.
Basic Rules:
- Each player gets 5 private cards.
- One round of betting, followed by a chance to discard and replace up to 5 cards.
- Final betting round, then showdown.
Best for: Casual players and beginners learning hand rankings.
5. Razz – The Lowball Twist
Why it’s different: The goal is to make the worst possible hand (lowest 5-card combination).
Key Rules:
- Played similarly to Seven-Card Stud.
- Straights and flushes don’t count against you.
- The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5 (unpaired, unsuited).
Best for: Players looking for a fresh, strategic challenge.
6. Chinese Poker – Fast & Fun
Why it’s unique: Players arrange 13 cards into 3 separate hands (front, middle, back).
How It Works:
- No betting rounds—points are scored based on hand strength.
- Popular in casual and high-stakes games.
Best for: Social play and quick rounds.
7. Short Deck (6+ Hold’em) – High-Octane Poker
Why it’s trending: A stripped-deck game where all cards below 6 are removed, increasing action.
Key Differences:
- Flushes beat full houses (due to fewer cards).
- More straights and big hands.
Best for: Aggressive players who love big pots.
Which Poker Game is Right for You?
- New to poker? Start with Texas Hold’em or Five-Card Draw.
- Want more complexity? Try Omaha or Seven-Card Stud.
- Looking for something different? Experiment with Razz or Short Deck.
No matter your preference, Globet365 Poker has the guides and strategies to help you dominate any poker variant.
