Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it has been played for centuries. While Texas Hold ’em is probably still the most popular poker variation today, there are plenty of other poker variants to choose from. With so many different types of poker variations available, beginners might feel overwhelmed trying to decide which game to start with.
To make it easier for novice poker players, we’ve put together a list of the top 8 poker variations for beginners. From Texas Hold ’em to Stud Poker and Omaha Hi-Lo, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect variation of poker to suit your needs. So read on and discover which game is the best fit for you!
1. Texas Hold ’em
Texas Hold ’em is the most popular poker variation in the world and is perfect for beginners. It’s a straightforward game that can be learned in just minutes, and its easy betting structure makes it accessible to players of all skill levels. Its popularity is growing on online platforms as well, while many are looking for Texas Hold ’em in poker no deposit bonus and trying their luck.
2. Omaha Hi-Lo
Omaha Hi-Lo is a popular variation of poker that involves four-hole cards and five community cards. The goal is to make the best high hand and the best low hand using any combination of hole cards and community cards. Compared to Texas Hold ’em, Omaha Hi-Lo is slightly more complex but still a great game for beginners.
3. Seven-Card Stud
Seven Card Stud is another classic poker variation that requires players to make their best five-card hand from seven cards. It’s a slow-paced game that requires lots of skill, but it is still a great choice for new players who are just learning how to play.
4. Razz
Razz is a unique variation of poker that uses low hands instead of high hands. In this game, the goal is to make the lowest five-card hand from seven cards. It’s a great game for beginners who want to learn how to play with low hands. Razz is frequently played on its own as a dedicated game but can also be included in mixed games, such as HORSE.
Razz is easy to play because all you have to do is identify the lowest possible 5-card hand from the 7 cards that a player has available. (Players would look for the lowest, unpaired cards in their hand).
Razz is similar to Stud Poker in many ways: all players must put forward an ante at the beginning. After that, everyone is dealt two face-down cards and one face-up card. In Razz, however, the player with the highest face-up card goes first instead of last like in Stud Poker order does not matter). This player makes either a small “bring-in” bet or a complete bet before play continues in a clockwise direction around the table.
5. Badugi
Badugi is a two-round draw poker variation that requires players to make the best four-card low hand from five cards. It’s a fun and exciting game for new players who want to experience something different.
Although Badugi poker was created in the 1980s, it is not as popularized as other forms of poker. Nevertheless, you can still play it in some online poker rooms and home games. If you’re lucky enough to come across a large tournament series that offers this game, usually, it’s included as part of a “mixed” event with other types of poker.
Since the hand ranking system in Badugi is unlike other Lowball poker games, it might take a bit of time to get used to. To start, 4 cards are used for the hand rankings instead of the traditional 5. Also, suits actually matter in this game! (You want all 4 cards to be in different suits if possible.) Another key detail is that straights don’t count against the low hand as they do in other games–in fact, Aces always play as a low card! The goal is to make the lowest possible “Badugi” (which means having 4 unpaired cards from different suits).
6. Five-Card Draw
This classic poker variation is great for beginners as it requires very little skill or strategy. Players are dealt five cards each. Then they can discard up to three of those cards and draw new ones in hopes of creating the best hand possible. Five-Card Draw is still a popular in-home game and can be found on some online poker sites.
In many films where people are playing poker together, it’s quite common to see a 5-card draw as the game being played. This is because it’s easy for people watching to quickly gauge each player’s strength by looking at their 5-card hand.
7. Chinese Poker
Unlike other types of poker, Chinese poker does not stick to the more classic game formats. However, it is still an easy game for beginners to pick up because the only real requirement is knowing the standard poker hand rankings.
Although Chinese poker isn’t as popular as other forms, it is still played from time to time, and even Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been known to play it. Its most successful years were in the mid-’90s when WSOP hosted events in 1995 and 1996. But since then, there have been no Chinese Poker events at the WSOP.
8. Pineapple
Pineapple poker is a variation of Texas Hold ’em, where players are dealt three cards and must discard one before the flop. This game has become popular in recent years due to its fast-paced gameplay and high-action feel. It’s relatively easy to learn, making it an ideal game for beginners who want to get a taste of poker.
Pineapple is often found in home games as well as some online poker rooms, and it can also be included in mixed games. If you’re looking to jump into something new, Pineapple is a great way to mix up your game and add some excitement.
No matter which variation of poker you choose to play, make sure to take your time and learn the rules before diving into the game. Practice makes perfect, and with so many different variations of poker available, you’re sure to find one that you enjoy!
