The different types of poker games available online

Poker is one of the world’s classic card games. It mixes skill and luck to offer thrills and challenges with every hand.

That’s why it has been such a popular card game for generations. It’s now being played more than ever – and it’s all thanks to the online casino revolution.

The game of poker was synonymous with dimly-lit back rooms, smoky bars and high-stakes, face-to-face confrontations. No-one imagined it could become an internet sensation – attracting whole new generations of players.

Somehow the leading casinos have managed to capture the magic of the game. Now players can enjoy poker anytime, anywhere, using their phone or pad.

Casinos now offer all the different versions of poker, the big tournament varieties and some lesser-known rules too. It’s all poker – but not always played the same way.

Let’s have a look at some of the best types of poker games that are available at today’s online casinos:

Texas Hold’em

This is probably the most popular form of poker today. It’s the poker that is most often shown in films and TV shows.

That’s because it looks good. The game involves two hidden hole cards and five community cards face up in the middle of the table.

There’s instantly a great atmosphere when those cards are exposed. Players can call, raise or fold as more cards are dealt.

It’s easy to learn and to get better as a player.Texas Hold’em is definitely a game that offers great twists of luck – and a chance to think strategically too.

Pot Limit Omaha

Another version of poker with its roots in America, Pot Limit Omaha, or ‘Omaha Hi’ as it’s sometimes called, is one of the fast growing newer variants.

The big difference is that there are four hole cards in PLO. The unpredictable thrill is that players can only use two of these along with three of the community cards to make the final hand.

A big scoring hand is easier with more cards to choose from. This means the final showdown will be all the more exciting.

Look out for the rarer version, called Omaham Hi-Lo. In this game the pot is split between the highest ranked five-card hand and the lowest.

This adds a layer of complexity. It’s easier to win – but make sure you check the rules and how the game works before you jump in with big stakes!

Seven-card Stud

One of the most popular forms of poker in the old real-world venues was stud. In this online version players are dealt their own hand.

Dependent on the local rules, some of these cards will be face down, some face up and some hidden in the player’s hand.

Stud seems to work best in tournament settings – where it is still considered a classic. Reading the clues to what another player’s hand might be is a major skilful part of playing stud.

Caribbean Stud Poker

In this popular new online variety of poker, both the dealer and the player are dealt five cards. It’s a straight battle between the player and the dealer.

The dealer has the disadvantage of having to completely reveal one card throughout the game. It’s a game usually enlivened by progressive prizes building through the hands.

2-7 Triple Draw

New exciting varieties are emerging as online casinos work out what players enjoy. In 2-7 Triple Draw players get dealt a hand that no-one else can see.

Winners have the lowest possible hand. No other cards are visible so betting against opponent’s hands is like shooting in the dark.

There are three draws to improve a hand, making it an easy version to learn and understand. It’s a difficult game to excel at though!

Five-card draw

Players are dealt five, then try to create the best possible five-card hand with a draw of between zero and five cards.

Hands are quick and fun. Players make a fast decision on the draw and then back themselves or fold.

Five-card Omaha

Players use two of their four hole cards and three community cards. It’s easier to make a strong hand – but easier for the other players too.

Typically players need a bigger budget and cooler head to cope with the swings of fortune in this high scoring game.

Casino Hold’em

In classic old-school poker players battle against each other, not the house.

In Casino Hold’em they play face-to-face against the dealer. That makes it a straight fight to create the best five-card hand after a two-card deal.

Pai Gow Poker

Another new version of poker that involves the player facing the dealer – rather than the other players. Add in a wild joker and there’s the recipe for an exciting poker variety that’s full of fun.

It appeals to those looking for something a little more complex. Players are dealt a total of seven cards, which are split into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.

To win, both five and two-card hands must beat both the banker’s hands.

There are even more exotic poker versions out there if you browse around the leading online casino and news sites. Whichever variety you choose make sure you understand all the rules and gameplay before you start placing serious stakes.

And remember that all games of poker have one thing in common – every hand offers a thrill and a chance to win, whoever you are playing against.