Pick Your Table: Exploring the Top Poker Variations in Online Casinos

Poker isn’t just one game — it’s a whole lineup of different styles and experiences. Each version has its own quirks, rules, and strategies. Cannot decide which one to stick with? Below is a rundown of the best versions to try. I’ll also throw some quick tips to help you get a feel for each one.

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6 Must-Try Online Poker Variations

1. Texas Hold'em – The Classic Choice

New to online poke? Texas Hold'em is usually where you start. Everyone’s either seen it on TV or watched a few pros play it online. 

Why do people love it? Here, you only get two cards of your own. The rest are dealt as community cards for everyone to share. You’re trying to read your hand, the community cards, and everyone else at the table.

Pro tip: Don’t rush. Many gamblers play too many hands early on. Wait for something solid before going all in. 

I’d also suggest sticking with pairs or suited connectors (like 6 and 7 of hearts) in the beginning. Avoid hands that look nice but can’t compete in the long run. Another key here? Stay aware of your position. The closer you are to the last player, the more info you have.

2. Omaha – More Action, More Hands

If Texas Hold'em is checkers, Omaha is chess. Here, you get four hole cards instead of two. You still use the community cards. But you have to use exactly two from your hand and three from the board. With the tweaked rules, your hand combinations go way up. So, big hands like straights and flushes are more common.

Pro tip: Don’t get attached to just any two cards that look good. Play with solid pairs that connect well. Suited cards also hold value here. 

The chances of hitting flushes are higher than in Hold'em. Have a mix of high suited cards? Like K-Q of spades with another suited connector? Congrats — you’ve got a strong hand for the game.

3. Seven-Card Stud – Old School, Focus on Your Hand

This is the classic form of poker. No community cards, just you and your own seven cards to work with. You start with two cards down and one up. Each player keeps getting more cards in the same way. In the end, everyone has seven cards (four up, three down) to make the best five-card hand.

Seven-Card Stud might be a slower game. You’re fully focused on your own hand. And on what you see from others.

Pro tip: Watch what other players are holding face-up. Seeing someone with a pair of kings showing while you have a lower pair? You might save yourself some money by folding early. 

Since cards stay open, you can track which ones are out of the deck already. It’s old school but effective.

4. Razz – The Reverse Game

Razz is one of my personal favorites. It flips everything on its head: the worst hand wins! Instead of aiming for a straight or flush, you’re going for the lowest hand possible. Players are usually aiming for A-2-3-4-5, which is called the “wheel.” Like in Seven-Card Stud, you get seven cards. But, the goal and strategy are completely different.

Pro tip: Low, unpaired cards are your best friends in Razz. When I play, I avoid anything that pairs up or has high cards. Especially early on. Focus on keeping your cards low and unpaired as much as you can.

5. Three-Card Poker – Fast and Simple

Then we have Three-Card Poker. Here, you get three cards, and that’s it. You’re trying to get a decent hand in one quick shot. There’s not as much strategy here compared to other variants. Perfect if you want an easy game to jump into without committing hours to each session.

Pro tip: Stick with pairs or better. The game is quick, so you don’t want to play every single hand. Are you dealt low cards that don’t connect? It’s usually best to fold. 

6. Video Poker – Poker Meets Slot Machines

Not in the mood for a full table game? Video poker is a great option. It’s you against the machine, with one simple goal: make the best hand. The most popular versions? Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Each type has slightly different rules, but the basic idea is the same.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the paytable. In Jacks or Better, knowing that a two-pair hand pays better than just a high card is useful. Plus, some machines pay extra for certain hands. Adjust your moves based on what each hand can win. Don’t just aim for a high score across all games. The machine won’t bluff you.

Find Your Style, Find Your Game

The beauty of online poker? There’s a version for everyone! Some games, like Texas Hold'em, are all about strategy. Others, like Three-Card Poker, are quick and easy with instant payouts. 

There’s no right or wrong game here. It all comes down to what fits your style. So, test a few versions and find the table that feels like home.