Online Poker Variants You May Not Know For: Pai Gow, Omaha Hold ’em, and more
Texas Hold ’em is known the world over as the most popular poker variant. It is estimated that there are more than 100 million people who play this version of the classic casino game online, thus emphasizing its mass appeal and popularity.
However, many other types of poker can be played. Online poker casinos may continue to push the classic option as much as possible due to its mainstream status, but if you search a little, you will be able to find several other variants worth trying too.
Each of them can provide a different gameplay experience, which can help individuals broaden their horizons and potentially find a new type of poker that they may enjoy. It could also lead them to be able to master a new version, which could be rewarding in itself and make the game more competitive, given the fact that so many already enjoy Texas Hold ’em.
Pai Gow Poker
Derived from ancient China, Pai Gow Poker is a lesser-known poker variant found at many online casinos. This game features a rather unique element that can make things more interesting, as it is played against the dealer and not other players around the table.
You must try to form two hands strong enough to beat the dealers. These hands must consist of a two-card hand and a five-card hand. The game is easy to learn and can often be less stressful than Texas Hold ’em, thus making it a little more accessible and potentially more relaxing.
Omaha Hold ’em
Omaha Hold ’em is a poker variant that has been gaining a lot of popularity at online casinos recently. It is very similar to Texas Hold ‘em but has slight differences to encourage a different type of gameplay experience.
You will still find five community cards in the middle of the table that they will need to try and make combinations from to create the strongest hands they can. However, they will be dealt four cards at the beginning instead of two. Here, they will need to use at least two cards from the four provided and then three of the community cards to form the strongest five-card hand possible. This can make poker more strategic and challenging, thus adding a little extra to the game for those seeking more.
Five Card Draw
A poker variant that has lost its way in the past due to the emergence of Texas Hold ‘em, Five Card Draw is arguably the classic form of poker that helped kick-start the boom of the game as a casino classic.
It is the simplest variant of the game, as you are dealt with five cards. They will be required to place their bets and can choose to keep the hand they have or to exchange any number of their cards to try and increase the strength of their hand. It is a version that requires a lot of thinking and strategizing from the beginning, but it can provide some additional excitement with each game round.
Seven Card Stud
Seven Card Stud is another poker variant that is emerging online. Players are dealt seven cards, but they can only see the value of four of these, as the other three are face down. Players can trade their cards for new ones throughout betting rounds that take place, therefore requiring individuals to be at the top of their game all the time and notice what other players around them are doing.
Final Words
There is more to online poker than Texas Hold ‘em, and casinos are starting to bring these variants back to life by making them more widely available. If you wish to obtain an alternative gaming experience should consider the versions outlined, as these each have unique aspects that can enhance any passion held for the classic. At the same time, it can breathe life into the game as some may have become bored of the same version they have been enjoying like everyone else.