When I first sat down at a poker table, I thought I’d learned everything I needed to about the game after a few rounds of Texas Hold’em. It didn’t take long for me to realize that poker is not just one game but a whole universe of unique formats, each with its own rules, strategy, and following. If you’ve ever wondered about all these different kinds of poker, I’m here to walk you through the most popular types, from Hold’em to Badugi and plenty in between.
Texas Hold’em: the classic everyone knows
When people mention poker, Texas Hold’em is usually the first game that comes to mind. It’s the most played format in tournaments, online, and home games around the world. Every player gets two private cards (“hole cards”) and uses them with five community cards on the table to make the best five-card hand.
There are a few reasons this version became so widespread:
- It’s easy for beginners to pick up.
- The betting structure is straightforward.
- The biggest tournaments, like the World Series of Poker Main Event, use it.
- You can play it as a cash game or in tournaments.
Texas Hold’em is where most players start their poker journey.
I’ve always found Hold’em is a great foundation for learning more complex games later.
Pot-Limit Omaha: more cards, more action
Once I got a good grasp of Hold’em, I was curious why many experienced players rave about Omaha, especially Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). Here, each player receives four private cards instead of two. The key twist is that you must use exactly two of your hole cards with three community cards to build your hand.
On the surface, it feels like more cards just mean more fun. But the real difference is how much the probabilities change. For example, pocket aces against pocket kings in Hold’em hold about an 82% chance to win, but in Omaha, that drops dramatically to around 65%. This leads to:
- Heavier swings and bigger pots (“more variance”).
- More draws and powerful hands, often making the river card especially exciting.
I’ve noticed that PLO requires deeper hand-reading skills and rewards bold play. It’s no wonder it’s so popular in high-stakes circles.
Omaha Hi-Lo: splitting the pot
Omaha Hi-Lo (also called Omaha Eight or Better) adds a twist: the pot is split between the best “high” hand and the best “low” hand. The low requires five cards eight or lower with no pairs. This splits players’ attention and strategies, creating intriguing decisions every hand. Mixed game players love it, and I find it’s a true test of all-around skill.
Short Deck (6+ Hold’em): a modern favorite in Asia
Even after discovering games like Omaha, I was surprised by the buzz around Short Deck poker, which became huge in Asia and gained a dedicated following worldwide. Also known as 6+ Hold’em, Short Deck uses a reduced deck, with all 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s removed, leaving 36 cards.
This format means:
- It’s harder to hit a straight, but much easier to make a flush.
- Flushes actually beat full houses.
- Hand equities are often much closer, so most post-flop situations are wild.
The faster pace and action-heavy style explain its rapid growth. I find it thrilling, and it keeps experienced players on their toes because classic hand rankings flip in some spots. If you want to shake up your Hold’em game and try something fast and fresh, this might be what you’re looking for.
Five Card Omaha
A newer variation gaining popularity, especially online, is Five Card Omaha (PLO5). Players receive five hole cards instead of four, while still using exactly two with three community cards. The extra card dramatically increases equities, draws, and variance, creating some of the biggest action in modern poker.
Badugi: a unique lowball twist
I still see many players light up in surprise when I mention Badugi. It’s a draw game, not a flop game, and it’s played for low hands. Each player gets four cards, and the best hand is a four-card low with all different suits and no pairs, called a “Badugi.” The closer you get to 4-3-2-A in four suits, the better.
Badugi stands out because:
- You draw to improve your hand (up to three times in traditional Badugi).
- Hand-reading and bluffing are central.
- It’s rare in poker rooms, but a staple in high-level mixed games.
Learning Badugi gave me a new perspective on what makes a poker game fun and challenging.
If you want a detailed breakdown on many of these formats, I recommend checking my guide on different types of poker games for a broader understanding.
Seven Card Stud
Although Texas Hold’em dominates the poker world today, it wasn’t always the most popular poker variant. Before the poker boom of the early 2000s, Seven Card Stud ruled casino poker rooms across the United States.
Unlike community card games, Seven Card Stud gives every player a mix of face-up and face-down cards, making memory, observation, and exposed cards a crucial part of the strategy.
2-7 Triple Draw and Razz: more mixed game classics
There are even more fascinating formats out there. I will quickly explain two more that pop up often, especially in mixed game rotations:
- 2-7 Triple Draw: Also a draw game, but the goal is to make the lowest hand possible. Straights and flushes count against you, so 7-5-4-3-2 (of mixed suits) is the “nuts.” It’s brilliantly strategic and often a favorite among veterans.
- Razz: A classic stud variation, but only the lowest five-card hand counts. There’s no such thing as “high” in this format.
Mixed games often rotate through fixed sets, and I always enjoy the challenge of playing multiple types in a single session.
HORSE and mixed games: proving all-around skill
In most casinos, the test for the most well-rounded player is HORSE. This mixed game combines five disciplines in order:
- Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Razz
- Seven Card Stud
- Stud Hi-Lo
Switch the game every orbit and you’ve got a true all-rounder’s battle. If you want to see who really understands poker on a big stage, watch a HORSE final table. I’ve always admired the adaptability needed to succeed here. If you want an in-depth review of these games, the article explains many of today’s popular variants and how they fit into mixed game play.
Regional popularity: poker around the world
I travel a lot, and it never ceases to amaze me how game preferences change from place to place. Here’s a glimpse:
- North America: No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha are everywhere.
- Europe: Hold’em, Omaha, and an appreciation for mixed and draw games.
- Asia: Massive interest in Short Deck, Hold’em, and draw games like Badugi.
- Online: Hold’em still leads, but PLO’s popularity grows every year.
Your favorite game might depend on where you play—or with whom.
That global variety is one reason I love poker so much. There’s always something new around the corner.
Choosing your first format: start smart, expand later
I often get asked, “What game is best for beginners?” Based on my experience, the learning path that works for most players is:
- Start with Texas Hold’em for its straightforward rules and wide community support.
- Move into Pot-Limit Omaha once you’re comfortable with hand evaluations and reads.
- Try Short Deck or Omaha Hi-Lo for more action and different strategies.
- Explore mixed games, Badugi, and draw games for a deeper challenge.
With each step, you’ll develop new skills and spot opportunities others might miss. And if you’re looking to study any of these games, analyze your hands, or share your decisions online, a platform like Check Replay makes it much simpler to track your progress and learn quickly. You can upload, analyze, and share hands from the variants you love, whether you’re just beginning or improving as a pro.
Conclusion: find your favorite and study with Check Replay
I firmly believe that learning different forms of poker not only grows your enjoyment, but also sharpens your mind for every session you play. Whether you like the action of PLO, the logic of stud, or the twists of Short Deck and Badugi, trying more than just Texas Hold’em opens up a world of excitement.
If you’re serious about improving, experimenting, or sharing your progress with friends and coaches, take a look at the tools from Check Replay. There’s a format and a seat for everyone—so why not try a new one today and see where your journey leads?
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common poker types?
The most played poker formats include Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Short Deck, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Badugi. These games cover draw, stud, and community card formats, each with a unique strategic focus.
How does Omaha differ from Texas Hold’em?
Omaha gives each player four private cards, compared to two in Hold’em. Players in Omaha must use exactly two of these cards plus three community cards, which increases the average hand strength and the level of post-flop action. The result is larger pots and more swings compared to Hold’em.
Hold’em vs Omaha: Which should you learn first?
For complete beginners, Texas Hold’em is still the best starting point because it teaches the fundamentals of poker. Omaha introduces more complex equity calculations and postflop decisions, making it a natural second game after mastering Hold’em.
What is Short Deck poker?
Short Deck, or 6+ Hold’em, is a version of Hold’em played with just 36 cards (2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed), making it easier to hit big hands and changing some hand rankings. In Short Deck, a flush outranks a full house, and straights are tougher to make.
Where can I play Badugi online?
Many online poker rooms offer Badugi, especially in mixed game or draw game lobbies. I always recommend checking the schedule on your chosen site, as Badugi isn’t always available around the clock. With Check Replay, you can study and review Badugi hands no matter where you play, making it a lot easier to improve your edge.
Which poker variant is best for beginners?
Texas Hold’em is usually the best game for beginners because of its clear rules and huge global community. Every poker variant teaches a different way to think about the game. Whether you enjoy the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, the action of Omaha, or the strategic depth of mixed games, reviewing your hands is the fastest way to improve. With Check Replay, you can analyze, organize, and share your hands across multiple poker variants, helping you become a better player regardless of the game you choose.
