5 Online Poker Variations Every Player Should Try
When first getting into online poker, most players logically start by playing No Limit Texas Hold’em. This variation provides the perfect foundation for learning core poker concepts like hand strengths, position play and betting mechanics. However, once players become more seasoned, trying additional online poker formats allows for developing new skills and keeps gameplay exciting.
1. Pot Limit Omaha
After feeling comfortable with Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) is a common next step for online poker players. In PLO, players are dealt 4 hole cards instead of 2, using 2 cards from their hand plus 3 community cards to make the best 5-card hand.
Having twice the hole cards translates to many more hand possibilities, so PLO requires rethinking hand valuations before the flop. PLO at GameTwist Casino DE also frequently features bigger pots, amplifying profit potential for skilled players. Mastering PLO card odds, draws and position tactics will make anyone a sharper, more versatile poker player.
2. Seven Card Stud
For poker fans wanting an online variation with more decision-making after the flop, Seven Card Stud deals cards both face up and down over 5 betting rounds. Players are dealt 2 hole cards and 1 door card face down, with 4 additional cards exposed face up. With most cards visible, successfully reading opponents becomes critical.
Mastering Seven Card Stud helps elevate bluffing skills and exploiting opponents’ tendencies. The Stud format adds welcome changes of pace to standard community card games for veterans and helps newcomers expand their understanding of poker beyond Texas Hold’em.
3. 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball
Most poker variations reward making the highest-ranking 5-card hand, but the unique 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball format incentives building the lowest possible hand. Players are dealt 5 cards, then can discard and draw up to 2 times trying to “improve” their hand even lower.
Since pairs and straights actually hurt hand value in 2-7 Triple Draw, optimal strategy means memorizing unconventional hand rankings. Excelling at this mixed draw and stud game also requires finely honed opponent perception to know precisely what cards they’re holding. Mastering peculiar hand valuation and opponent reading makes 2-7 Triple an engaging variant for top professionals.
4. Badugi
For a modern poker format that’s gaining popularity online, Badugi features dramatically different hand values based on card suits and ranks. The goal in Badugi poker is to make 4 cards of distinct suits and ranks, with the best possible hand being a 4 card sequence like A-2-3-4 with each card being a different suit.
As a mixed draw and stud game, Badugi presents experienced poker players with an entirely fresh challenge. Given its unique mechanic of “four flush” hands, Badugi cultivates different strategies and adjustments from other variants. Badugi is an exciting change of pace sure to appeal to poker fans thirsty for a new format.
5. Mixed Games
Beyond individual variations, many online poker sites also offer “mixed” game formats alternating between rounds of Stud, Omaha, 2-7 Triple Draw, Badugi and more all within the same tournament or cash game. Keeping players on their toes adapting round-to-round to shifting mechanics, mixed games represent the ultimate poker challenge.
For variety seekers and true poker enthusiasts, mixed game formats provide endless entertainment and skill-building potential. Rotating between multiple poker variants prevents stagnancy while allowing players to discover brand new favorite formats.
Core Poker Variants Comparison
To help summarize key contrasts between popular online poker variations, here is a brief comparison:
Poker Variant | Key Differences |
No Limit Texas Hold’em | - 2 private hole cards + 5 community cards |
Pot Limit Omaha | - 4 private hole cards + 5 community cards |
Seven Card Stud | - Face-up and down cards. Less dependence on community cards |
2-7 Triple Draw Lowball | - Trying to make the lowest hand. Multiple draw rounds |
Badugi | - 4 cards must be distinct suits and ranks |
Final Tips for Exploring New Poker Games
I hope overviewing these 5 popular online poker variations spotlights some new formats for players to step out and explore beyond standard Texas Hold’em. Though familiarity with hand rankings and position play carries over, trying alternate poker formats keeps gameplay feeling fresh.
Many online poker sites now offer Omaha, Stud, Draw and more in their game lobbies, so sign up today to start expanding your repertoire! Dabbling in these new variations will reward poker enthusiasts with more diverse skills, deeper knowledge and consistent entertainment in the classic game they love.