The game of poker has evolved in more ways than one. Since the early days, numerous variants of poker have appeared all over the world. It’s not only the different types of poker that have changed but the way we play it too. In fact, with over 50 years of the World Series of Poker, it’s now regarded as a sport. From online poker card games to poker-themed slots and casinos, it has become accessible to everybody worldwide. You don’t just have to play poker online or at a brick-and-mortar casino either – there are a lot of fun and unique poker variants that you can play at home too. 

Several historical moments have contributed to the evolution of poker games. For instance, the beginning of poker included a 5-card draw and then moved towards 7-card stud and 5-card stud in World War II. In 1964 Texas Hold’em was introduced to Las Vegas casinos, and in the early 70s, we saw the introduction of the World Series of Poker. Today, online poker tournaments and online cash games have become the main focal point of poker and are where most people play. 

Join us as we list and go through the rules of the best poker games.

Understanding the Basics of Poker Variants

Even though you can play so many different types of poker, each variant still revolves around the same principles. Before jumping into the specific types of poker games you can play online, let’s start with the basics that tie each of them together. 

• Playing for Pots:  In poker, players compete to win pots, which are collections of bets made during the game.
• Starting Hands: Each player is given a certain number of starting cards depending on which poker variation is being played. 
• Making Moves: Throughout the game, players are given the option to call, bet, check or raise as a part of their strategy.
• Winning Poker Hands:  To win, you either need to make everyone else fold or have the best hand when it’s time to show your cards. 

By understanding these four fundamental tenets and getting to know the types of poker players you will be up against, you can try any of the poker variants and adjust your strategy based on the specifics of the game you’re playing. 

Key Things to Know When Playing Poker

While all poker variants are built on the same basic principles, there are variables that change when you start to explore different types of poker. 

Table size (the number of players in a poker game)

• Full Ring: A table for nine players.
• Short-Handed (also known as Six-Max): A table for six players. However, sometimes when you’re playing poker online, the online casino offers special games with as few as three or four spots.
• Heads-Up: A one-on-one showdown between just you and your opponent.

Betting styles (how you make bets)

• Fixed Limit: Betting and raising only happen in set amounts.
• Pot Limit: Bets and raises can either match the pot’s size or be less than the size of the pot.
• No Limit: You can bet any amount as long as it’s more than the minimum and not more than your stack.

Game Formats

Poker comes in three main formats:

• Scheduled Tournaments: Players pay an entry fee to participate. Everyone gets a certain number of chips, and the goal is to outlast the others. While tournament chips have no real-world value, you win a prize if you outlast enough people. This is referred to as “getting into the money.” 
• On-Demand Tournaments (Sit & Go): These tournaments don’t have specific start times, they start when the table is full, and enough players are ready to play. As with scheduled tournaments, the blinds and antes (forced bets) go up as the game progresses.
• Cash Games: You can play cash games anytime on any table size. Unlike tournaments, the blinds and antes stay the same throughout the game. The chips also represent real money, so if you have $100 worth of chips, you can trade them for $100 in cash.

Whether you’re into tournaments or cash games, knowing these basics will help you make smart moves and enjoy each game to the fullest.

The Most Popular Poker Variations

Although 52 cards are used in every game, the rules differ slightly between variations. For example, a flush in a Texas Hold’em poker game may not hold the same weight in a game of 7-card stud. So knowing the rules and strategies and understanding the key differences of each poker game is crucial for success.

From most to least popular, the list below analyzes the different types of poker games that can be played online.

Texas Hold’em

The poster game of poker, Texas Hold’em, is played in the most high-profile tournaments in the world, including the World Series of Poker. Even James Bond plays Texas Hold’em and it’s become the favorite type of poker to play online. 

With it being easy to learn and the most popular type of poker in the world, it is a great place to start your poker journey. After you get the gist of the rules and how to deal in a Texas Hold’em poker game, you can experiment with other types of poker. A good way to start is by playing online poker tournaments with friends so you can get guidance and feedback during and after each hand.

But first, it’s about understanding the basics. Each player will be dealt two cards; the left of the dealer is the small blind (wagers half the minimum bet) and will start the betting, the player on their left bets second and is the big blind (wagers the minimum bet). In each round of betting, you have the option to check, bet or fold. You can raise as much as you want, but the game will only transition to the next round once all players have put in the same amount.

There are four betting rounds in a round of Texas Hold’em poker:

1. Pre-flop: Each player is dealt two cards, and you bet in to join the round.

2. The flop: The dealer places down three cards face up. The next round of betting commences.

3. The turn: This time, the dealer only places down one card. Betting commences.

4. The river: This is the last card to be placed. After the round of betting, players show their cards.

The aim of the game is to make the best five-card poker hand out of the seven cards available. This means it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different hands of Texas Hold’em.

Omaha

So, how do you play Omaha? Rather than receiving two cards, you receive four. However, you can only use two of the cards you’re dealt. Being dealt four cards means there is a lot of action and strong hands consistently throughout the game.

Apart from the number of cards dealt, the game is very similar to a Texas Hold’em poker game. It includes five community cards from the dealer as well as a flop, turn, and river round. Betting takes place in the same order too.

7-card stud

As previously mentioned, this game was very popular during World War II. Unlike the other games, 7-card stud doesn’t include flops or community cards. Rather, the dealer places three cards – two face down and one up. You’re then dealt seven cards, with three facing down and four up. The aim of the game is to choose the best five-card combination.

Chinese poker

As playing games with a live dealer at an online casino goes, Chinese poker is one of the most difficult to learn. However, it can also be the most fun.

Firstly, each player is dealt 13 cards (meaning it allows only four players.) With the cards, you must then arrange each into three different poker hands. It’s necessary to note that the way you hold your cards is important.

You must hold them in three rows. The top row is made of three cards and is your lowest-ranking poker hand. The middle includes five cards and should be your second strongest, and the bottom row is your strongest hand, made up of another lot of five cards.

At the end of the round, each player scores their hand against the opponent’s corresponding row to win. You get a point for each round you win. The player with the most points wins the round.

Poker Lingo

When you play poker online, it’s important to understand the various terms used. Here are some of the most frequently used.

• Bluff: When a player is holding a hand that they do not think will win but continues to play aggressively, giving the impression of having a strong hand.
• Ante: The start of a round requires each player to put in money to continue playing the round. The minimum amount of money you need is called the ante.
• Call: This is the process of matching the amount of an opponent’s bet.
• Check: If no one has placed a bet in the round, players have the option to check. This means you can stay in the round without betting. If the whole table checks, it moves on to the next round.
• Fold: This is when you choose not to continue betting and leave the round.
• Pot: The amount of money in the middle of the table during a round.
• Raise: When a player increases the amount put down rather than an opponent’s original bet.

Play Poker on Borgata Online

Borgata Online hosts an array of online poker tournaments in a number of variations and buy-in amounts that can be played anytime, anywhere. So register today, stay up to date with our poker tournament tips, and test your skills.