Poker Variations Guide: Mastering the Different Types of Poker

There are many, many variations of poker – that's what makes the card game so interesting! But learning all of them can be tough for the uninitiated. That's why we've created a brief guide to the most popular poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha and Caribbean Stud Poker, as well as an introduction to video poker and Pai Gow poker. From here, you'll get a handle on the basics, learn the differences, and then read the expert guides we've created for each of the poker game variations.

Let's discover the different poker games together, from poker rules to winning poker hands and everything in between…

The Different Types of Online Poker Games

Poker is a card game that is played with a standard 52-card deck. The goal of the game is to win the pot, which is the collection of bets made by all of the players. Players make bets by placing chips into the pot. The player with the best hand at the end of the hand wins the pot.

Now, there are many different poker games in NZ. Some of the most popular types of poker include:

Texas Hold'em Poker

Texas Hold Em Poker is the most popular poker variant played around the world. In this version, each player is dealt two hole cards face down. Five community cards are then dealt face-up in three stages: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the river (one card). Players use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards to form the best five-card poker hand.

Omaha Poker

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold'em, but each player is dealt four cards instead of two. Players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three of the community cards to form their best five-card poker hand. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular variations of poker in the world. Find out everything you need to know about Omaha Poker in our guide.

Hi-Lo Poker

Hi-Lo is a type of poker where players are trying to make the best high hand and the best low hand. The best high hand is the same as in other types of poker. The best low hand is made up of any five cards that are 8 or lower. If no player has a low hand, the pot is split between all of the players with the best high hands. Learn more about Omaha Hi-Lo in our dedicated guide.

Seven Card Stud

Seven Card Stud is a type of poker where each player is dealt seven cards. The first three cards are dealt face down, and the next four cards are dealt face up. Players must use any five of their seven cards to form the best five-card poker hand. Interested in learning more about Seven Card Stud? Head over to our guide to find out more about this classic poker type.

Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean Stud Poker is a type of poker where players play against the dealer. Each player is dealt five cards, and the dealer is dealt five cards. Players can make side bets, such as a bet that their hand will beat the dealer's hand. If a player's hand beats the dealer's hand, the player wins the side bet. Find out how to play Caribbean Stud in our guide.

Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is a type of poker where players are dealt seven cards. Players must divide their cards into two hands of five cards each. One hand must be a high hand, and the other hand must be a low hand. The high hand must be made up of any five cards that are 10 or higher. The low hand must be made up of any five cards that are 7 or lower. If a player's hands are both of the correct rank, the player wins. Learn how to play Pai Gow Poker from our guide.

Razz Poker

Razz is a type of poker where players are trying to make the worst five-card poker hand. The worst hand is made up of any five cards that are 7 or lower, and all of the cards must be of the same suit. Check out our Razz Poker guide to find out more about this lowball poker card game.

Five Card Draw

Five Card Draw is a type of poker where players are dealt five cards. Players can then draw up to three cards to improve their hands. The best hand is made up of these five cards. Discover more in our dedicated guide to five-card draw.

Video Poker

Video Poker is a type of poker where players play against a computer. It is based on 5-card draw. Players are dealt five cards, and they can then hold any number of cards and discard the rest. The computer will then deal new cards to replace the discarded cards. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the game. Read more about video poker in our dedicated guide.

Types of Poker – Summary

Our guide to the different kinds of poker games covers just a few of the many different types of poker out there. There are many other types of poker, each with its own unique rules and strategy. And if you're looking for online poker casinos, check out our recommended Online Poker Casinos in NZ.