Top 5 Lesser Known Poker Variants
Although most people are familiar with the classic version of poker that typically involves five cards, there are actually many different variants each with its own unique set of rules and strategies. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lesser known poker variants that you may not have heard of before.
The 5 Card Draw Poker variation is estimated to be the oldest variant of poker, with origins in the 1800s.
1. Pai Gow
Pai Gow Poker is a popular variant of poker that has been around since the 1980s. It originated in China and is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The object of the game is to make two separate hands from seven cards dealt from the deck. The five-card hand must be higher ranking than the two-card hand. The dealer and player then compare their hands to determine which one wins or if it’s a tie.
- Rules and procedures for Pai Gow Poker include using a joker as an ace or to complete a straight or flush, and splitting a pair into two separate hands.
- Benefits of playing Pai Gow Poker include the fact that it is easy to learn and can be quite profitable if you have a good strategy.
2. Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC)
Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC) is another variant of poker that has gained popularity in recent years. This game was first invented in Finland and is played with three players who each receive thirteen cards from a standard 52-card deck (plus one joker). The object of the game is to make three separate hands consisting of five, five, and three cards respectively, with each hand ranked according to traditional poker rules.
- Rules and procedures for Pineapple OFC include discarding one card after the initial deal, making decisions on how to divide their thirteen cards into three separate hands, and setting their hands against those of their opponents.
- Benefits of playing Pineapple OFC include the fact that it is fast-paced, exciting, and provides players with plenty of decisions to make throughout the game.
“Poker is not a one-size-fits-all game. With numerous variants out there, everyone has something for them — even the lesser known ones!” — Barry Greenstein, Poker Player and Author
3. Texas Hold’em Switch
Texas Hold’em Switch is another variant that has become increasingly popular over time. This version of poker was first introduced in 2009 and uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The object of the game is for players to create the best five-card hand from nine total cards (seven dealt from the deck, plus two switched from other players).
- Rules and procedures for Texas Hold ’Em Switch involve swapping two hole cards between players before the final betting round begins, as well as all other traditional rules for Texas hold ’em poker such as betting rounds, blinds, etc.
- Benefits of playing Texas hold ’em switch include variety (since every hand will be different due to switches), as well as opportunities for bluffing and aggressive play which can lead to big rewards.
4. Badugi
Badugi is another interesting variant of poker that originated in South Korea and utilizes a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The object of this game is for players to create four separate hands consisting of four different suits (each suit cannot contain more than one card).
- Rules and procedures for Badugi include drawing new cards after each betting round, as well as discarding any unwanted cards before each draw phase which allows for more strategic play.
- Benefits of playing Badugi include its simplicity (the rules are easy to learn) as well as its unpredictable nature (since every hand will be very different).
5. Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8
Lastly, Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better (also known as Omaha 8) is another popular variant that uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. This version was first introduced in Europe but has spread worldwide over time due to its popularity among professional players. The object of this game is for players to create two separate hands using five community cards — one high hand using only higher ranked cards, and one low hand using only lower ranked cards — and then compare them against those created by their opponents’ hands at showdown.
- Rules and procedures for Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better involve all traditional rules for Omaha High/Low such as blinds, betting rounds, etc., with an added twist: if both high and low hands remain tied at showdown, then half the pot will go to each player with a qualifying low hand (8 or lower).
- Benefits of playing Omaha Hi-Lo Split 8 or Better include its complexity (which requires more strategic decision making) as well as its ability to provide players with more chances at winning big pots due to its multiple winners at showdown rule.
Whether you are looking for something fast-paced or slow and strategic; something simple or complex; something old or new; there’s sure to be something for everyone out there in this exciting world!
