Variations of Poker Explained

Poker has gained a reputation for being the casino game with the highest skill edge to it, which is why it is one of the most popular casino games out there. Whilst online slots and Roulette are purely luck based, poker requires an element of strategy, a knowledge of mathematical sums and a great deal of hard work to master.
Of course, some poker variants are vastly different from others, so before you begin playing, it is important that you get your head around the rules of each. But before that, we have made a list of common poker terms which you should know before you begin playing.

Common Poker Terms You Should Know

Ante - the minimum amount you must gamble into the pot to get into the hand
Blinds - an amount of money which goes into the pot before the hands are dealt. Typically, there will be a small blind and  big blind during each hand. The blinds ensure that the pot will always have money in it. Blinds rotate clockwise from player to player with eah new hand.
Call - When a wager has been placed, a call indicates that you will match the player's raised amount.
Check - If the player doesn’t wish to raise and no wager has been placed, the player may ‘check’.
Raise - The player wishes to increase the bet.
All in - The player indicates that they wish to bet all of their remaining chips.
Fold - The player relinquishes their hand and they are out of the game.

Poker Games: Terminology

‘Stud’ Games - Players are dealt a number of cards (usually between 5 and 7) and must use those cards to make the best hand.
‘Draw’ Games - Players can trade in their cards (usually up to 3) in order to try to improve their hand.
‘Community Card’ Games - Players are dealt ‘hole cards’ face down then play off the community cards to make the best hand.

Top 5 Poker Variants

Texas Hold’em

By far the most popular poker game in the world in 2021, Texas Hold’Em is a skill based casino game which offers a tonne of excitement and a competitive edge. When playing Texas Hold’em, players are dealt two hole cards which they must use with community cards in order to make the best poker hand. Games are typically played on tables with between 6 and 9 players.

Omaha

Similar to Texas Hold’em, players are dealt four hole cards and must choose two hole cards to combine with the community cards. There are a few different variations of Omaha including 5 card Omaha where players are dealt five hole cards.
Omaha is much more unpredictable than Texas Hold’em and relies more on probability and chance.

Video Poker

The most successful variation of poker at online casino sites, Video Poker offers some of the best odds found at online casinos. In addition, the variety of video poker games ensures that you will never get bored and caters to both beginners and expert poker players.
Video poker is fast paced too, there is no waiting around for other players to take their turns!

Pai Gow

As the name suggests, Pai Gow poker originates from ancient China and is a popular poker game played at online casinos. Also known as double-hand poker, Pai Gow was created in 1985 in the USA. Players compete against the banker with the game offering all sorts of bonuses known as Fortune Bonuses.

Ride’Em Poker

A variation of five-card-stud, Ride ‘Em Poker is played using three hole cards and two community cards. This is a great game if you are tired of Texas Hold’em and would like to switch it up a little.
Ride ‘Em poker is lots of fun and is easy to play once you get used to the basic rules. We recommend trying out Ride ‘Em Poker for free before you begin playing for real money.

Final Words

Of course, the five poker games listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. At SlotsandCasino, we have 14 different video poker games for you to play, including Aces and Faces, Double Joker and Jacks or Better, all of which offer different rules, bonuses and opportunities for you to win big.
If you decide to play poker with us, you can help yourself to our welcome bonus. In addition, all of our loyal players can take advantage of our loyalty rewards program which pays you for playing with us!