Poker 101: Learn how to play the most popular types
Thanks to televised events like the World Series of Poker, the game of poker has risen in popularity in recent years. Players are attracted to the game’s combination of psychology, probability and, of course, luck in trying to put together winning hands time after time.
If you visit a casino, you’ll notice that there are multiple different types of poker, each with slight rule variations that change the complexity and the strategy of each game. Here are five common types of poker you’re likely to see played at a casino.
1. Five Card Draw
Considered one of the simplest forms of poker, five card draw starts with each player receiving five cards. After the initial deal, players can choose up to three cards to trade in exchange for new cards. The player with the best five-card combination wins.
2. Texas Hold ’em
By far the most popular version of poker played in America, Texas Hold ’em is the version of poker played in the World Series of Poker. The game starts with each player receiving two cards to keep to themselves, and then progresses as five community cards are laid onto the table.1
“Players bet a total of four times during the game: after each player receives to cards, then three more times as the community cards are laid on the table,” says a spokesperson for The Casino at Dania Beach. “Players use a combination of their own two cards and the five community cards to put together the best five-card combination possible, with the best overall combination winning the hand—and the chips.”
3. Omaha Hold ’em
This variant of poker looks a lot like Texas Hold ’em, with two importance differences. First, players are dealt four cards instead of two at the start of the hand. And the five community cards are all turned over at the same time, instead of being spread out over three rounds. However, players can only use two of their own cards when putting together the best five-card combination.
4. Seven Card Stud
In this game, each player is dealt seven cards. Three are face down, and four are face up and visible to the entire table. Players use those seven cards to create the best five-card hand possible.
“Compared to a game like five card draw, seven card stud can feature more dangerous hands since players have seven cards to choose from, instead of five,” says a spokesperson for The Casino at Dania Beach. “The face-up cards, meanwhile, give players some ability to strategize based on what they think other players might have in their hands.”
5. Video Poker
If you ask a poker enthusiast, video poker is not the same as a regular poker game. With this machine-based version, there are no other players—you’re only playing against the computer to put together the best hand possible. It’s not the same as the real thing, but if you find yourself overwhelmed at the live poker tables, it might be worth taking a break for the relatively lower-stakes, lower-stress experience offered by a video poker machine.
Live poker tables are one of the most unique attractions at a casino, but don’t worry—if you’re not up for sitting down and trying your hand against other seasoned players, it’s perfectly normal to stand back and watch.
Sponsored by The Casino at Dania Beach
Sources:
1. Clearwater Casino
