Online poker has exploded in popularity over the last two decades thanks to the internet, which has made the game more accessible than ever. While Texas Hold’em remains the most played variant, there are a number of other poker games that have cultivated strong followings with unique rules, strategies, and entertainment value for Nine Casino players.
If you’re looking to get into internet poker, then familiarizing yourself with some of the top variants is key before deciding which one to start with. Here are 5 of the most popular online poker games and why you should add them to your roster:
Texas Hold’em
As the most played poker variant on the planet, Texas Hold’em hardly needs an introduction. This community card game sees players try to make the best 5-card hand from two hole cards and 5 community cards on the table.
Texas Hold’em exploded when Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event after qualifying through an online satellite. This proved regular Joes could find success in Hold’em, leading to the poker boom.
Some key stats on Texas Hold’em:
- It’s played by over 50% of all online poker players
- Hold’em tournaments like the WSOP Main Event can have prize pools in the tens of millions
- Most poker sites have huge player pools for small and high stakes Hold’em cash games
If you’re looking to learn poker online, Texas Hold’em simplicity compared to other variants makes it the ideal starting point.
Omaha
Similar to Texas Hold’em, Omaha is another extremely popular community card poker game online. Instead of 2 hole cards though, Omaha deals 4 to each player who then combines them with 5 community cards to make their best hand.
What makes Omaha particularly beloved is how action-packed it is pre-flop compared to Hold’em. Having 4 cards creates many more possibilities, leading to bigger pots. This makes Omaha an exciting game for recreational players.
Some quick Omaha stats:
- Around 13% of online poker traffic comes from Omaha games
- Pot-limit Omaha (PLO) is the most played form due to no limit caps on bets
- High-stakes PLO games frequently see 6-figure swings and 7-figure pots
Omaha requires adjusting from Texas Hold’em, given the extra hole cards. But its popularity means it’s a must-try for any aspiring online player.
7-Card Stud
Now for a classic poker variant that’s still going strong online – 7-Card Stud. Instead of community cards, players are dealt 7 cards of their own – 3 face down and 4 up for opponents to see. The aim is making the best 5-card from the 7 dealt.
Unlike Hold’em and Omaha, 7-Card Stud is played heads-up rather than on a table of players. This makes it an intensely psychological game where reading opponents is key. Bluffing also plays a major role given more hidden information.
Some 7-Card Stud stats:
- Around 5% of online poker traffic comes from 7-Card Stud
- Games typically fixed limits to control swings from big bets
- Stakes Stud games see lots of Hollywood celebs and poker pros
For poker traditionalists, 7-Card Stud is a must-try. And while tough to master, its lower variance makes it friendlier on beginners’ bankrolls.
Razz
If you thought 7-Card Stud sounded fun, then let us introduce you to Razz – its quirky cousin! The rules for being dealt 7 cards are practically identical, except the scoring is flipped on its head.
Instead of making the best hand, the goal of Razz is to make the lowest hand using 5 of your 7 cards. Straights and flushes don’t count, making the mighty high card Ace now the worst card to be stuck with.
Some quick Razz stats:
- Razz makes up around 2% of online poker traffic
- Games are usually have fixed limit to prevent huge swings from low hand values
- Razz tournaments are often held alongside Stud events or mixed-game formats
Razz is certainly a niche poker variant. But it also has a tight-knit community of enthusiasts who love its unique lowball format. Just brace yourself for the learning curve!
Mixed Games
Can’t decide between Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and more? Then why not play them all? Mixed game formats rotate between poker variants every orbit to test a player’s versatility.
Getting dealt different games prevents repetitive hands. It also stops players from relying too much on game-specific strategies. Adapting on the fly is key.
Some mixed games stats:
- Popular mixed formats like HORSE include Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and Eight-or-better Stud
- Online mixed-game traffic is small but features highly skilled regulars
- Land-based mixed events like the Poker Player’s Championship have million-dollar prizes
While mixed games require knowing multiple variants, they’re hugely rewarding as the ultimate poker challenge. Players looking to eventually try them should learn Razz rules, though – you’ve been warned!
Choose Your Favorite Online Poker Variant
This just scratches the surface of poker variants available online today. Even more obscure formats like Badugi, 2-7 Triple Draw, and Chinese Poker have niche followings.
But the 5 games listed above comprise most of the action. Each brings something unique, so check out each variant’s rules before deciding where to begin. Just be warned – the branch is too far from Texas. Hold’em early on, and the learning curve gets steep!
However, rewards come to those who persevere. Mixing up poker variants keeps gameplay exciting while expanding your skillset. So once you’ve honed your Hold’em chops, give Omaha, Stud, and other games a try.
Because poker success means being able to adapt your strategy no matter the cards you’re dealt. And the variants you play.
