Guide to Major Types of Online Poker – Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw & Mixed Games

Understanding the Different Types of Online Poker Games

Online poker has seen a surge in popularity over the past couple of decades. With many different variations of poker games now available online, it can get confusing understanding the differences between them. This guide breaks down the major types of online poker at Slots Mines Casino and what sets each one apart.

Texas Hold’em

Without question, Texas Hold’em is the most popular form of online poker. The game became a mainstream phenomenon in the 2000s thanks to televised poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker. Here’s a quick rundown of the basic rules and gameplay:

• Each player is dealt two private “hole” cards. Five community cards are dealt face up on the table in three stages – the flop, turn, and river.
• Players use their hole cards and the community cards to make the best 5-card poker hand possible.
• There are four betting rounds – after the hole cards, the flop, the turn, and the river.
• The objective is to have the best hand at showdown or get others to fold.

Part of what makes Texas Hold’em so popular is its mix of simple rules, luck and complex strategy. Players only start with two cards, allowing for a lot more skill in reading opponents and bluffing.

Omaha

The next most popular online poker variant after Texas Hold’em is Omaha. It follows a similar structure, but has some key differences:

• Players are dealt four hole cards instead of two
• To make a hand, players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards
• There are the same four betting rounds as Hold’em

Having four hole cards allows for many more possibilities for hands. It makes Omaha action-packed, though it reduces the skill elements around observing opponents.

Stud

There are several variations of stud poker online, with 7-Card Stud being the most common. In stud:

• Players get three hole cards and there are four face up cards dealt
• There is betting after each new up card
• The objective is to make the best 5-card hand from a mix of hole and up cards

Stud poker has seen a decline in popularity, partly because it offers less excitement and opportunity for bluffing that community card games provide. But it still has a loyal following.

Draw

While not as widespread online, some poker sites still spread variations of draw poker. In these games:

• Players are dealt five hole cards after placing an ante bet
• A round of betting takes place
• Players can exchange cards from their hand to improve it
• Another round of betting happens prior to showdown

The most popular form of draw online is 2-7 Triple Draw, though other lowball variants like Razz and Badugi have a presence as well.

Mixed Games

For more variety, many online poker platforms now offer mixed game formats. These rotate between hand-to-hand variations like:

• H.O.R.S.E – Rotates between Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Stud and Stud Eight or Better
• 8-Game – Also mixes in 2-7 Triple Draw and Badugi
• 10-Game – As above but with Pot Limit Omaha and No Limit 2-7 Single Draw

These mixed games like penny slots provide a unique challenge as players must master multiple game types simultaneously.

To summarize some key differences:

So while Texas Hold’em tends to dominate the landscape, online poker provides plenty of options. Understanding the rules, odds and strategies of the major variants makes you a well-rounded player. With so many games to choose from, poker sites cater to all preferences and skill levels.