Zane | February 21, 2023 | Updated on: January 29th, 2025
Online poker variants give players an exciting way to enjoy poker in different styles, whether you’re playing for fun or having a go at real money games in the best online casinos. While Texas Hold’em is the most popular, there are plenty of other poker games that bring variety and a new challenge to your experience.
Whether you’re just starting out and learning how to play poker or an experienced player sharpening your poker strategy, trying different poker variants can help improve your skills and boost your winnings. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most popular online poker variants, how they work, key strategies, and why you might want to give them a go.
Texas Hold’em – The Most Popular Poker Game
How to Play Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most played poker game worldwide, both in online casinos and live tournaments.
- Each player gets two hole cards that only they can see.
- Five community cards are placed on the table.
- Players use a mix of their hole cards and community cards to make the best five-card hand.
Texas Hold’em Betting Rounds
- Pre-Flop – Players get their two hole cards and place their first bets.
- Flop – Three community cards are revealed.
- Turn – The fourth community card is placed on the table.
- River – The fifth and final community card is revealed.
- Showdown – Players reveal their hands, and the best hand wins.
Why Play Texas Hold’em?
- Simple to learn, but full of strategy.
- Great for both casual and serious players.
- The main game in big poker tournaments.
If you want to improve your skills, check out our poker strategy guide for expert tips.
Omaha – More Cards, Bigger Hands
How to Play Omaha Poker
Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em but with a big twist – each player gets four hole cards instead of two.
- Players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to make their best five-card hand.
- This leads to bigger hands and larger pots.
Popular Omaha Variants
- Omaha Hi – The highest hand wins the pot.
- Omaha Hi-Lo (8 or Better) – The pot is split between the best high and low hands.
Why Play Omaha?
- More action and bigger pots than Texas Hold’em.
- Stronger hands mean exciting showdowns.
- Requires more strategy to pick the best two hole cards.
Want to sharpen your Omaha skills? Read our Omaha guide for expert strategies.
Caribbean Stud Poker – Beat the Dealer
How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud is different from other poker games because you’re playing against the dealer, not other players.
- Each player gets five cards, and the dealer also gets five cards (one face-up).
- Players decide to fold or raise based on their hand.
- The dealer must have at least Ace-King to qualify.
- If the dealer qualifies, the best hand wins.
Why Play Caribbean Stud?
- Simple rules and no bluffing required.
- A mix of poker and casino-style gameplay.
- Many online casinos offer big jackpots.
3 Card Poker – Quick and Easy
How to Play 3 Card Poker
3 Card Poker is one of the fastest poker games, making it perfect for beginners.
- Players and the dealer each get three cards.
- The dealer must have at least a Queen-high to qualify.
- Players decide whether to fold or raise based on their hand strength.
- The best hand wins.
Why Play 3 Card Poker?
- Easy to learn and quick to play.
- No complicated strategies.
- Great for casual players and fast-paced action.
4 Card Poker – More Action, More Strategy
How to Play 4 Card Poker
4 Card Poker is similar to 3 Card Poker but with an extra card and more betting options.
- Players get four cards, and the dealer gets five (but only the best four count).
- Players can bet up to three times their original bet if they like their hand.
Why Play 4 Card Poker?
- More betting options than 3 Card Poker.
- Bigger hands and better winning chances.
7 Card Stud – A Classic Poker Game
How to Play 7 Card Stud
7 Card Stud is a classic poker game that was popular before Texas Hold’em took over.
- Players get seven cards, but only the best five are used to make a hand.
- Unlike Texas Hold’em, there are no community cards.
- The game has five betting rounds, making it highly strategic.
Why Play 7 Card Stud?
- A test of memory and skill.
- No shared cards, so every hand is unique.
Caribbean Draw Poker – A Unique Casino Poker Game
How to Play Caribbean Draw Poker
Caribbean Draw Poker is a fun twist on traditional poker with a drawing round.
- Players get five cards and can exchange up to two.
- The dealer must have at least a pair of eights to qualify.
- Players can raise their bet if they think they have a strong hand.
Why Play Caribbean Draw Poker?
- More control over your hand with the draw round.
- Bigger payouts with jackpot side bets.
Draw Hi-Lo – Two Ways to Win
How to Play Draw Hi-Lo Poker
Draw Hi-Lo is a variation of Five-Card Draw, where the highest and lowest hands split the pot.
- Players get five cards and can exchange some to improve their hand.
- The pot is split between the best high and low hands.
- A low hand must have five unique cards, all 8 or lower.
Why Play Draw Hi-Lo?
- Two chances to win in one game.
- More strategy in balancing high and low hands.
Pai Gow Poker – A Fun Casino Poker Variant
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a mix of poker and the ancient Chinese game Pai Gow.
- Players get seven cards and must create a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
- The five-card hand must be stronger than the two-card hand.
- If both hands beat the dealer’s, the player wins.
Why Play Pai Gow Poker?
- A relaxed, slow-paced poker game.
- Many chances to push (tie), reducing risk.
Conclusion
Trying different online poker variants is a great way to improve your poker skills and keep the game exciting. Whether you prefer the strategy of Texas Hold’em, the action of Omaha, or the unique twists of Pai Gow Poker, there’s a game for everyone.
Want to improve your poker game? Check out our poker tips and poker hands guide to boost your skills today!
Poker Variants FAQs
1. What is the easiest online poker variant to learn?
3 Card Poker is the easiest because it has simple rules and quick gameplay.
2. Which poker game has the most action?
Omaha offers non-stop action due to its four-hole card format and bigger pots.
3. Can I play online poker variants for real money?
Yes, most online casinos offer real money poker games in different variants.
4. Which poker game is best for beginners?
Texas Hold’em is the best poker game for beginners because it’s easy to learn and has many resources available.
5. Which poker game has the biggest payouts?
Caribbean Stud and Pai Gow Poker often have huge jackpots.