There are numerous variants of the traditional card game of poker. Each variation has its own set of rules and strategies that players should understand in order to maximize their chances of success at the tables. In order to help you choose your favorite game wisely, we'll go over the most common varieties of poker games and their associated rules in this section.

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Texas Hold'em 

It is the most well-known and widely played type of poker today and is often considered the "Cadillac" of poker. In this game, each player is dealt two downcards (hole cards) that only they can see. Everyone can use five community cards (the flop, turn, and river) to make their best five-card hand combination. Betting takes place in four rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. The objective of Texas Hold'em is to create the highest five-card hand with both your hole cards as well as the three community cards on the table. The winner is determined using traditional poker rankings, and the player with the highest-ranked hand wins the pot. Texas Hold'em can be played in limit and no-limit variations.

Omaha

Though there are some significant distinctions, it is comparable to Texas Hold'em. In Omaha, players are dealt four-hole cards instead of two and must use exactly two of their four-hole cards and three from the board to create their best five-card hand. This makes it more challenging because players have to try and determine which two cards will give them the best chance of winning with the board they are dealt. Omaha is also available in both limit and no-limit variants. Since each player has more options, this variant usually involves higher pots than regular Texas Hold'em games.

5 Card Draw

It is a simpler poker game variant that has been around for hundreds of years and remains popular today. In this variation, players are dealt five cards, and the goal is to make the best five-poker cards hand with no community cards shared between players. After the initial deal, each player can replace up to four cards to improve their hand. However, since 5 Card Draw does not use community cards, it is more difficult for players to gain an edge over their opponents. 5 card draw is most commonly played in limit formats.

7 Card Stud

It is another old-school variant of poker with different poker rules and is more technically challenging than its draw counterpart. In 7 Card Stud, players are initially dealt three cards; two hole cards and one up-card that they must use to create their best five-card hand. During the betting rounds, each player can make use of their four face-up cards to build the best five-card hand possible. 

After all seven cards have been dealt, players must combine their three-hole cards with the remaining four community cards to make their best possible five-card hand. This makes it more difficult for players to gain an edge over their opponents because the cards are visible to everyone at the poker table.

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Razz

It is a variant of stud poker where the goal is to make the worst possible five-card hand. Each player is dealt seven cards (three face down and four face up) that they must use to create the best 5-low or lower without any pairs or better combinations. The best poker card in Razz would be an Ace-2-3-4-5, also known as "the wheel." Razz is one of the most unique and challenging variants, requiring players to think outside the traditional poker box.

Badugi 

It is a variant of draw poker in which players try to make the best four-card hand from seven cards. The goal is to create the lowest possible hand without pairs or better combinations. Badugi differs from other forms of poker because it rewards players for having unique, low hands instead of high-ranking ones. It is one of the more challenging variants available and requires a great strategy to succeed at the poker table.

If you're looking for a great place to play these popular poker variants, consider GGPoker. This poker online room offers cash games and tournaments in all of the game types mentioned above. Plus, they have a generous welcome bonus. So check out GGPoker today and see what type of poker variant is right for you!

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Wrap Up!

Players have a wide variety of poker game options to select from, each with its own distinct set of rules and tactics. Knowing the specifics of each variant's poker regulations will help you develop your abilities and make better choices when choosing which poker game to play. 

No matter what variation of poker you choose to play, you must continue to be knowledgeable about the poker rules in order to get the most enjoyment out of your time spent playing.