Which Poker Games Are Popular Today?
The game of poker has been around for centuries, and the term “poker” encompasses many different varieties of the game. Texas Hold’em is the game you should probably learn first if you are completely new to poker. It reached the heights of popularity in 2003 when Chris Moneymaker unexpectedly won the WSOP Main Event. After that, no-limit Texas Hold’em became the most popular poker game in the world.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most popular form of poker in the world. It appears simple at first, but its complexity becomes apparent as you learn more. Learning it is easy, but mastering it can take a lifetime, according to poker experts.
Texas Hold’em features at all the most important poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event and the World Poker Tour (WPT). In this game, you need to have the best five-card poker hand at showdown or to force your opponents to fold before showdown. This means you win the pot because you have the only active hand.
Playing video poker is different from playing traditional poker games like Texas Hold’em because it’s you against a machine. It can be highly entertaining with more efficient gameplay, but with less social interaction.
No-limit Texas Hold’em
The main difference between Texas Hold’em and No-Limit Texas Hold’em is in the betting structure. In the latter, you can bet any amount, including an ‘all-in’ bet where you wager your whole stack. This leads to larger pots and more dramatic swings in the game. You have more strategic options because your ability to make large bets can force opponents to fold. The style of play is more aggressive.
When playing poker games like No-Limit Texas Hold’em, you can look for offers to enhance your experience. Most poker sites have loyalty programs where you can earn points, cash bonuses, etc., if you play consistently.
Pot-limit Texas Hold’em
Pot-Limit Hold’em used to be one of the most popular poker games in the U.K. and parts of Europe. The rules and structure of the game are the same as No-Limit Texas Hold’em, but you can bet or raise any amount up to the size of the pot at the given time. Understanding the pot odds and hand ranges is critical for successful play.
Omaha
Omaha comes second to Texas Hold’em in popularity, and the rules are similar but with some notable differences. You receive four-hole cards in Omaha instead of two. You must use two of your hole cards and combine them with three of the five community cards to make the best five-card hand.
With the additional hole cards, there’s more action in the game and more variance. With the increased number of possible starting hands, it is common to have a draw to a straight or flush.
Pot-Limit Omaha
This is a very popular way to play Omaha poker. In Pot-Limit Omaha, the action is often wild and loose. It is an exciting game where pots can grow quickly, and big hands are common. It isn’t a game for the faint-hearted, and you probably need a larger bankroll than for playing some other poker games. Strict control of your bankroll is important when playing poker, or you could lose money you need to pay your monthly expenses.
Omaha Hi/Lo
This game is also referred to as Omaha8 and is a variation of Pot-Limit Omaha. You can play it in both limit and no-limit formats. It features the same rules as Pot-Limit Omaha, but the difference is the splitting of pots between the best low hand and the best high hand if any of the players can make a low. With the low elements, the game is more strategic with some tactical nuances that make it one of the more intricate variations of poker.
Short Deck
Short Deck poker is another variant of Texas Hold’em that’s popular with high-stakes players, especially Asian players in Macau. It’s a high-volatility game you play with 36 cards. You play it without deuces, threes, fours, or fives. The reduced deck slightly alters the hand rankings. Flushes beat full houses, as they are harder to make. Aces play as high or low, and you can use them as the lowest cards for a 9-high straight.