The 11 Types of Poker

Many people have heard of poker, but few know how many variations there are. No matter your style of play and preferences, there is a poker iteration for you. For example, some players might prefer a version of poker with a focus on bluffing or a chance to make massive bets.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about eleven prominent types of poker. From the well-known Texas Hold ‘Em to the lesser-understood Badugi, there are ample choices for all life circumstances. 

1. Omaha

Omaha might sound like a strange name, but it’s one of the more popular poker variations. Instead of getting two cards at the beginning of the game, each player gains four. However, only two can be used. This limitation gives choice along with strong hands and plenty of thrilling action the entire time.

Although it seems different, Omaha is very similar to a standard game of Texas Hold ‘Em. There’s a flop, turn, river round, and five community cards. Also, the betting happens in the same order. 

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2. Razz

Razz is a variation of the classic stud game, which we will discuss in more detail next. It combines parts of Omaha Hi-Lo and 7-Card Stud, offering seven cards at the beginning and the goal of making the top low-hand - a hand with a value determined by the highest-value selection.

If you don’t want to play 7-Card Stud, take it down a notch and play with the simplicity of Razz. It’s one of the easiest types of poker to learn. 

3. 7-Card Stud

If you were to ask any soldier in World War II what their favorite poker variation was, they’d tell you 7-Card Stud. There are no community cards or flops in this version, which means there are three cards set down instead. Two are placed face-down and one face-up.

Once the dealer places these cards in their respective positions, each receives seven cards. There are three down and four up. By the end, the goal of each player is to make the best hand out of any five cards. 

4. H.O.R.S.E.

For those who like a poker game that’s a little more chaotic, H.O.R.S.E. is the winner. It combines games like Omaha Hi-Lo, Texas Hold ‘Em, 7-Card Stud, Razz, and 7-Card Stud Eight or Better. 

Many love H.O.R.S.E. because it requires the players to know multiple variations to do well. Everything can change all at once, making it a practical selection for those who want to mix things up and keep action flying.

5. Chinese Poker

Another common variation is Chinese Poker. It’s one of the trickier poker variations to learn, but once you have it down, it’s exciting. Each player begins with thirteen poker cards that must be turned into three different hands. It starts confusing, and that’s just the beginning.

You must then hold the three rows, with the row at the top and the lowest hand, and work downward in that order until you hit the bottom row with your strongest hand. Once the end of each round happens, you score each corresponding row to see which is strongest. A point is gained per winner. The hand with the most points at the end of it all wins. 

6. Short Deck Hold ‘Em

If you want to go with a different version of Texas Hold ‘Em, consider Short Deck Hold ‘Em. This selection starts with all numbers lower than six removed from the deck. Thus, the hands are more intense if it comes time for a showdown.

In this game, flushes score more than full houses. This change is due to the absence of the low cards - flushes become much trickier to obtain. 

7. 2-7 Triple Draw

Another 5-card poker game is 2-7 Triple Draw. It’s a low-ball poker game, which means the players are going for the lowest-value hand determined by the highest-value card.

If you have a straight or a flush, they will count against you in this game. Aces are also high cards. These two variations set 2-7 Triple Draw apart from Razz or Omaha Hi-Lo.

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8. Badugi

Badugi Poker is another variant that goes the low-ball route and tries with four cards. Players get four cards and then can discard them. Then, they determine how many cards to pull from the deck.

Next, there’s a second round of betting and another opportunity to draw. Then there’s a third, a final draw, and a fourth hand of betting before the showdown. It’s relatively straightforward.  

9. Pineapple Poker

One of the best names is Pineapple Poker. This selection is very similar to what you’ll find in traditional Texas Hold ‘Em, but there’s a significant difference.

In Pineapple Poker, you get to choose which two cards you’ll hold out of three placed in your hand. This change makes it slightly more intense than Texas Hold ‘Em.  

10. 5 Card Draw

Draw poker is an exciting variation where you are the only one who sees your cards - unless, of course, there’s a showdown. Every player antes up and earns five cards. From there, you look at the value in your hands and decide if folding or playing is your next best option.

Once the draw ends, see if there are at least two players left. If there are, there is a showdown, and the higher hand wins. Most classic variations you’ll see here include this draw in some format. 

11. Texas Hold ‘Em

Our final poker variant, and the most popular, is Texas Hold ‘Em. This game often occurs in larger Poker tournaments with a big and a small blind. It’s an excellent place to start for those who want to master poker but don’t want to play the traditional game. Once you have Texas Hold ‘Em down, you’re ready to go.

The goal of Texas Hold ‘Em is to make an excellent five-card hand out of seven available cards. There are four rounds, and in each, the player can bet, check, or fold. Every player must submit the same amount for the betting to continue forward. 

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