Chapter 5: Guide to Other Poker Variations

When you go to an online casino for the first time, the first thing you may notice is the dizzying variety of poker games on offer. Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Caribbean Stud, All Aces, Razz, and so much more. Then there is online live casino poker, which comes in many different variants of its own.

All of this might seem somewhat daunting if you’re a poker newbie. After all, with so many different versions of poker available at your fingertips, how are you meant to know which one is the right one for you? Fortunately, we’re here to help.

Every variant of casino poker has something to offer and, depending on what type of player you are, there may be a poker variant that suits you more than any other. Whether you’re on the hunt for high-stakes jackpots or simply looking to take it slow and pick up the fundamentals of poker strategy, we have a poker variant for you.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about the many different poker variations that you can start playing today. 

What You’ll find on this Page

• Poker Variants at Betsson
• Why is Texas Hold ‘Em so popular?
• Other well known Poker Variants
• What type of Poker is right for you?

Poker Variants at Betsson

Here at Betsson, we have a wide range of poker variants for you to sink your teeth into. Read on to learn more.

Live Texas Hold ‘Em

Over at our immersive live casino lounge, you’ll find our classic Live Texas Hold ‘Em. This is quintessential Texas Hold ‘Em, with all of the skill and drama of the original game transported into a live-stream game, where you can play against opponents in real-time from every corner of the globe.

What’s more, our friendly and knowledgeable poker dealers are on-hand to ensure a truly immersive poker experience that will feel like you’re on the floor of a Las Vegas casino.

Two-Hand Casino Hold ‘Em

Another one of our live poker variants, Two Hand Hold ‘Em doubles the fun by allowing you to bet on two hands rather than one. The game is played against the house and the best five-card hand always wins; just like in regular Texas Hold ‘Em. However, you have the option of spreading your bets across two hands and increasing your chances of hitting the jackpot.

All Aces Poker

All Aces Poker is a variant of Jacks or Better, in which all players receive increased payouts for any four of a kind hand, and decreased payouts for all other types of hands.

The biggest payout is, naturally, for a four aces hand. If a player lands four aces, they can expect a jackpot payout that is about half as high as you would get if you had a royal flush – the best hand in poker. Such payouts for four aces do not exist in other poker variants.

Caribbean Poker

Our Caribbean Poker is essentially classic Caribbean Stud, in which the player always plays against the house rather than other players. It’s a quick-fire version of poker consisting of two rounds.

In the first round, the dealer hands out ten cards – five for you, and five for them. They will then turn one of their cars over for you to see, allowing you to choose whether to raise or fold. After that, all cards are shown and the highest hand wins. 

Casino Stud Poker

In Casino Stud Poker, the logic is similar to Caribbean stud. It is you versus the house, and you have two rounds to play in this game of pure luck. Our Casino Stud Poker has an extra feature, in that you can also place optional jackpot side bets throughout the game in order to increase your odds. The dealer must have an ace and king or better in order to qualify. 

Joker Poker

Joker Poker is a popular form of video poker that adds a new element of chance to the classic game with the introduction of the joker wild card.

The inclusion of a joker increases the number of cards in the deck and adds another powerful card that you can use to construct a winning hand. If you have a joker in your hand, you can use it to replace any card in your hand with another one, increasing your chances of getting a winning hand.

Jackpot Poker

Here at Betsson, we love a good jackpot. That’s why with Jackpot Poker, the pot is bigger than ever. It’s a fast-paced poker variant that is not played against anyone else.

You get dealt your hand, and then have the option to hold certain cards before being dealt one more time. If you win a top-tier hand, you stand to scoop up one of our progressive casino jackpots. 

Why is Texas Hold ‘Em So Popular?

While there is no shortage of exciting poker variants to try out, there is no denying that classic Texas Hold ‘Em is by far the most popular? But why is Texas Hold ‘Em so widely adored? 

It Is One of the Easiest Variants to Understand

Undoubtedly one of Texas Hold ‘Em’s biggest selling points is that it is one of the most simple and straightforward poker variants out there. There is an old poker saying that goes “Texas Hold ‘Em takes five minutes to learn and a lifetime to master”.

The beauty of the game is that, once you know the ten winning hands and the rules of betting, you’re ready to go. However, putting together a winning Texas Hold ‘Em strategy will always take time.

Texas Hold ‘Em Has Strong Brand Power

Texas Hold ‘Em is so widely played because it is often the only variant of poker that most people who enter a casino have ever heard of. Virtually every iconic poker scene you have ever seen on TV and film depicts a round of Texas Hold ‘Em.

Many people don’t even know that any other types of poker exist as a result of the strong cultural impact of Texas Hold ‘Em. This heavy exposure to the poker variant in popular culture also means that many people are familiar with the rules of the game before they even step up to the gaming table. 

Texas Hold ‘Em Attracts the Pros

Texas Hold ‘Em may be easy to learn and the most mainstream card game in the world, but that doesn’t deter the world’s top poker players. All of the biggest global poker championships, some of which have multi-million-dollar prize funds, tend to have Texas Hold ‘Em as the only game in town.

As a result, those looking to embark upon a professional poker player will dedicate their time to learning all of the Texas Hold ‘Em rules, odds, and plays, rather than focusing on other poker variants. 

Texas Hold ‘Em Has History 

Finally, it’s worth emphasising the rich history of Texas Hold ‘Em, which has played an important role in positioning the game as a pop culture icon and casino staple. The game was first introduced in the gaming parlours of Robstown, Texas, at the turn of the Twentieth Century, and quickly became one of the most popular poker variants in history.

By the time the first Las Vegas casinos started attracting customers, Texas Hold ‘Em was already a mainstay on the casino floor. Few other popular variants of poker can claim this kind of historical pedigree. 

Other Well-Known Poker Variants

As mentioned, poker is a very diverse game, with lots of different variants. Here are some of the other popular poker variants that you might come across in online casinos. 

Omaha

This is a community-based poker variant in which the player is dealt four cards, rather than two. From these four cards, the player is allowed to choose two with which to construct their winning hand. The other three must be chosen from the community cards on the table. All community cards are laid out at the beginning of the round. 

7-Card Stud

This is a poker variant that does not include any community cards, meaning that the player must construct a winning hand using solely the cards they have been dealt. Over the course of the game, the player is dealt a total of seven cards, from which they can choose five to put together their final hand for the showdown. 

2-7 Triple Draw 

This is another poker variant in which there are no face-up community cards, meaning that you must rely on your own hidden hand to win. In another twist, 2-7 draw is typically a ‘lowball’ form of poker in which the lowest scoring hand is actually the winner, rather than the highest. Players are dealt five cards at the outset and have three subsequent draws in which they must try and construct the best low hand. 

HORSE

This is a poker merry-go-round in which each round consists of a different variant of the game. HORSE is an acronym that stands for ‘Hold ‘Em’, ‘Omaha’, ‘Razz’, ‘Stud’, and ‘Eight or Better’.

There are five rounds, with each round consisting of a different variant, often occurring in the sequence described above. While there are five variants, the pot remains the same throughout, with only the winner of the final round getting the jackpot.

Three-Card Poker

This is a player-versus-dealer poker variant that consists of three-card, rather than five-card hands. As a result, the winning hand combinations are often stripped-back versions of the ones we know from Texas Hold ‘Em. In order for your hand to quality, you need at least a pair or better. 

Razz

This is another form of lowball poker in which the lowest ranking or ‘worst’ hand is the winner. The player is dealt seven cards and must use them to construct a winning five-card hand. What’s more, all other players can see your hand, enhancing the drama and the intensity of this classic poker variant. 

Chinese Poker

This is a complicated poker variant that requires strong skills and focus. Players are dealt 13 cards, which then must be split into three separate hands. Their ‘best’ hand of five cards, a medium hand of three cards, and their ‘worst’ hand of three cards. There are then three rounds in which each player shows their best, medium, and then their worst hand. The winner of each round gets a slice of the pot. 

What Type of Poker is Right for You?

If you’re unsure which poker variant is right for you, it is important to ask yourself some questions. 

What Do You Want from Your Poker Experience?

Do you want to learn a simple form of poker just to get the hand of the game? The standard Texas Hold ‘Em might be right for you. Do you want to master the trade of poker and all of its variants? Then maybe you should be playing a few rounds of HORSE.

Do you want to start playing competitively? Then maybe a more high-intensity variant of Texas Hold ‘Em is what you are looking for. Knowing what you want out of the game will help you find a poker variant that suits you best.

What is Your Playing Style?

How you play poker is also an important factor to consider. If you are a loose player that likes big risks and high stakes, then a fast-paced game like Jackpot Poker might be what you’re looking for. If you would rather master the art of the bluff, then Omaha or 2-7 triple draw might be best. If you prefer to play tight and close, then a more mellow variant such as Caribbean Poker might be right for you. 

How Much Complexity Do You Want?

As you’ve probably realised by now, every poker variant offers its own level of complexity. Some enjoy the complexity, as it allows players to be challenged and to improve their game. Others prefer simple, straightforward games that do not require too much mental exertion. Consider the level of complexity that you enjoy before choosing a poker variant. 

There are many, many different poker variations out there, each with something unique to offer. You can explore all of our poker games at our online casino, where you can even practice them for free.