You probably know Texas Hold’em, but the world of poker is much bigger and richer. From dynamic Omaha to the mind-bending Seven Card Stud and the quirky charm of Razz, each poker variant unlocks a new layer of excitement. If your strategy is sharpened and you’re ready for something more, discover why these games capture hearts at tables worldwide.
A Glimpse Beyond Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em dominates both casinos and online poker rooms. Its blend of strategy, luck, and accessibility makes it the first stop for most players. However, many variants offer fresh challenges and rewarding gameplay. With different rules, betting structures, and unique twists, each variant brings something special to the table. Let’s journey into the most popular types and learn how you can join the action online.
Omaha Poker: Big Action, Bigger Pots
How Omaha Differs from Hold’em
Omaha shares many traits with Texas Hold’em, but the game changes dramatically with just one rule. Instead of two hole cards, each player gets four face-down cards. The flop, turn, and river are dealt just like Hold’em. However, you must make your best hand using exactly two of your hole cards and three of the five community cards. This key distinction fuels more complex and powerful combinations, making strong hands common and final pots much larger.
Popular Omaha Variants
- PLO (Pot-Limit Omaha): The most played version. Bets are limited to the size of the current pot, which encourages big action but reins in all-in showdowns. Mid-strength hands that would win in Hold’em often don’t stand a chance here.
- Omaha Hi-Lo: Known as Omaha 8 or Better, the pot splits between the best high hand and the best low hand (five cards ranked 8 or lower). Players can scoop both halves, making every showdown a tense affair.
What Makes Omaha Unique?
Because everyone holds four cards, you’ll see many more draws and possibilities. Expect swings, stronger hands, and the need to reassess what’s “good” at showdown. Omaha rewards players who think holistically, evaluating how their hand fits changing board textures and the many potential draws their opponents might hold.
Where to Play Omaha Online
Most major poker platforms offer Omaha and PLO tables, both cash games and tournaments. Sites like PokerStars, 888poker, and partypoker have large player pools and regular Omaha events. Beginners often start at “micro stakes” tables to learn the ropes without risking much, while experienced players thrive in high-stakes rooms.
Seven Card Stud: Old-School Skill Game
The Basics of Seven Card Stud
Before Hold’em became king, Seven Card Stud reigned in poker rooms across America. Instead of community cards, Stud offers each player their own set of cards. The goal is simple: make the best five-card hand from seven dealt cards.
- Each player antes (places a forced bet).
- Three cards are dealt (two face-down “hole cards” and one face-up “door card”).
- Betting rounds follow as more cards come, alternating between face-up and face-down.
- Your “up” cards give the table clues—but so do theirs.
The Rhythm and Strategy of Stud
Seven Card Stud is about memory and observation. Since there are no community cards, you watch which cards have already been exposed and who seems to be building a strong hand. Unlike Hold’em’s community sharing, every player’s path is unique, encouraging you to develop both recall and keen reading of opponents’ intentions.
Distinctive Features of Stud
- The betting structure is almost always fixed limit, making aggressive raises less frequent.
- Position is determined differently—the best showing hand often bets first each round.
- Hand strength becomes highly visible as the game progresses.
Because you see up to four of your opponents’ cards, the tension comes from piecing together what’s likely in their hands. This leads to tactical bluffs and nuanced play.
Stud in the Online Poker World
Though less common than Hold’em or Omaha, online Stud is alive on platforms such as PokerStars and 888poker. Special tournaments, mixed games, and dedicated Stud cash tables bring together both purists and newcomers eager for a different pace. Tracking what’s been dealt and who’s on a draw gets even more intense online, where multiple tables run at once.
Razz: The Art of the Lowball
What Is Razz?
Love poker but tired of chasing high hands? Razz flips the rules. The lowest five-card hand wins. Straights and flushes don’t count against you, and aces are always low. Imagine a game where 7-5-4-3-2, all off-suit, is unbeatable.
How to Play Razz
- Each player antes before receiving two hole cards (face-down) and one up card (the “door card”).
- The player with the highest door card posts a forced “bring-in” bet, kicking off the action.
- Betting rounds follow as more cards are dealt face up and face down, until each player holds seven cards.
- The lowest five-card hand (no pairs, aces always low) wins the pot.
Why Razz Is So Fascinating
Razz rewards those who can quickly evaluate low hand strength and calculates odds for improvement. Pairs, which are great in other games, only hinder your low here. Memory and focus are critical. Since most of your hand is visible to others, “drawing dead” becomes more apparent, and you’ll need to pick your spots with care.
Playing Razz Online
Although not as widespread as Hold’em or Omaha, Razz regularly appears on major online rooms. PokerStars holds daily tournaments and seasonal series that feature Razz. This variant also crops up in mixed game formats, allowing players to sample its uniquely tricky style within a rotation of other games.
Other Noteworthy Poker Variants
The trio above grabs the most attention, but poker’s landscape is vast. Here are a few additional crowd-pleasers you’ll find online or in advanced settings:
Five Card Draw: The Classic Poker Movie Game
If you grew up watching old poker movies, you’ve likely seen Five Card Draw. Each player gets five cards face down. After betting, you can discard and replace as many cards as you wish. There are no community cards and few “tells” compared to Stud. While once dominant, it’s rarer to find big online games—yet many home games and online sites offer it to keep tradition alive.
2-7 Draw Lowball: The Ultimate Low Hand Test
This twist challenges you to make the lowest possible five-card hand, with straights and flushes counting against you. The dream hand? 7-5-4-3-2 (unsuited). Played both with single draw and triple draw variants, you’ll often find it in online mixed-game rotations and high-stakes rooms.
HORSE and Mixed Games: The Gourmet Poker Buffet
Why settle for one game? HORSE and other mixed game lineups rotate between several classics, usually Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo. These formats test your skill and adaptability, demanding knowledge of each game’s rhythm and strategy. You’ll find daily HORSE tournaments and cash games on PokerStars, which hosts the world’s largest pool of mixed-game enthusiasts.
Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple: Lively Community Games
Think of Pineapple as Hold’em with a creative twist. Players get three hole cards and must discard one, either before or after the flop, depending on the version. More hole cards mean more big pots and wild action—Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple pop up in both online home games and some festival tournaments.
Key Differences Between Poker Variants
Number of Hole and Community Cards
- Hold’em: 2 hole cards, 5 community cards
- Omaha: 4 hole cards, 5 community cards
- Seven Card Stud: 7 cards per player (3 concealed, 4 exposed), no community
- Razz: Similar deal to Stud, but the lowest hand wins
- Draw Games: All cards unique to each player, no community cards
Betting Structures
- No-Limit: Bet any or all of your chips at any time (common in Hold’em)
- Pot-Limit: Maximum bet is current pot size (the heart of Omaha)
- Fixed-Limit: Bets and raises are set amounts (always seen in Stud and Razz)
Strategic Adjustments
- Hand Values: Hands like low straights or two pairs, strong in Hold’em, can be liabilities in Omaha.
- Reading Opponents: In Stud and Razz, many cards are exposed—making deduction crucial. Hold’em and Omaha rely more on betting patterns and timing.
- Variance: Omaha gives more action and bigger swings, while Stud and Razz favor imagination and patience.
Why Try Poker Variants?
Switching up your poker routine enriches your experience and hones critical thinking. Different games test different skills—memory, creativity, mathematical reasoning, and emotional steadiness. If you ever watch World Series of Poker broadcasts, you’ll notice elite pros thrive not just at Hold’em but at an array of games. Diversifying your choices can give you an edge when others are stuck in one gear.
Choosing the Right Poker Variant for You
Consider Your Playing Style
- If you love strategy and psychology: Try Seven Card Stud or Razz. These reward deep focus and hand reading.
- If you crave action and big pots: Omaha or Pot-Limit Omaha Hi/Lo deliver plenty of drama.
- If you prefer simple, fast games: Five Card Draw is a perfect fit.
- If you want variety and challenge: Jump into a mixed game rotation like HORSE.
Start Small, Build Skill
Most online poker rooms offer free play chips or “micro-stakes” cash games. This allows you to experiment with each variant without risking much money. As you gain confidence, increase the stakes or try tournaments. Many platforms provide in-game tutorials and beginner tables—use these to sharpen your skills before jumping into advanced challenges.
Leveraging Online Resources
- Online guides and strategy forums provide tips tailored to every poker variant.
- YouTube and Twitch feature videos of pros breaking down hands and explaining concepts step by step.
- Many online poker rooms host variant-specific tournaments and daily freerolls—perfect for gaining real experience.
Top Online Sites for Poker Variants
- PokerStars: Known for a vast selection, including Omaha, Stud, Razz, Draw variants, and mixed games. Offers frequent tournaments and learning resources.
- 888poker: Excels in Omaha and Stud, with cash games and regular events for variant lovers.
- partypoker: Provides Omaha and mixed game formats, drawing a broad international player pool.
- iPoker Network: Home to many regional skins, offering Omaha and Stud. Good for European players seeking softer fields.
- Specialty Platforms: Sites like Americas Cardroom and Natural8 sometimes feature home game tools, custom variants, and live festival satellites.
Always play on licensed, reputable platforms, especially when real money is involved. Look for sites with clear rules, solid customer support, and a vibrant player community.
Tips for Enjoying Different Poker Variants Online
- Read the rules before your first hand. Even small changes can turn a profitable habit into a costly error.
- Keep track of betting structures. Pot-limit, fixed-limit, and no-limit play very differently.
- Study common hand values for each variant. What’s strong in Hold’em may be weak elsewhere.
- Use online tracking tools or note features to remember frequent players and identify styles.
- Take breaks between variant sessions. Shifting between game types sharpens both patience and adaptability.
Final Thoughts
Stepping beyond Texas Hold’em opens doors to new challenges, creativity, and rewards. Explore games like Omaha, Stud, and Razz at your own pace, try free options, and dive into the wide world of online poker variants. Adventure awaits on every deal.