Poker Variations, RTP And Other Special Features

Poker is the most diverse casino game. There are hundreds of different types of poker games available, although some poker variants are more popular than others. Meet the most played poker variations in online casinos and learn everything about them, from special features to their RTP rate.

Poker Variants
Variation Name RTPSpecial features
Texas Holdโ€™EmN/AThe classic poker experience.
Omaha PokerN/APlayers get four hole cards.
7-Card StudN/APlayers receive seven cards and must create a hand with five.
5-Card DrawN/APlayers receive five cards, which they can discard.
3-Card Poker97.51%Players receive three cards and can bet against the dealer.
Caribbean Stud Poker94.78%Players receive five cards and can bet against the dealer.
Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em97.81%A complex poker variant with additional bets.

Texas Holdโ€™Em

Texas Holdโ€™Em is the poker variant that nearly everyone learns to play first. Itโ€™s the most popular variant and is played by millions every day. Texas Holdโ€™Em tournaments are the ultimate challenge for professional players all around the globe. 

In Texas Holdโ€™Em poker, the game starts by assigning the small and big blinds to the two players following the dealer button. The small blind equals half the minimum bet, while the big blind corresponds to the minimum bet. 

Then, players receive two cards. A round is split into three phases โ€“ flop, turn, and river, each with a betting round. Players can perform five main actions:

The goal of Texas Holdโ€™Em is to have the best hand. A hand consists of two hole cards plus three community cards. The blinds move to the next player every new round.

Omaha Poker

Omaha Poker is one of the most popular poker versions. Itโ€™s played similarly to Texas Holdโ€™Em, albeit with a twist. Instead of receiving two hole cards, players get four. Players must choose two out of their four hole cards to create a combination with three other community cards. 

Contrary to Texas Holdโ€™Em, players must use two hole cards to create a combination. Additionally, the maximum bet in Omaha is always equal to the size of the pot. This poker variant is typically played for high stakes. 

7-Card Stud

In 7-Card Stud, there are no community cards. Players are given seven cards throughout the different phases, from which they must pick five to create a hand in the showdown. Hereโ€™s how each phase plays out:

5-Card Draw

If you know how to play video poker, you can easily play 5-Card Draw. Before the game starts, each player must place an ante bet. Alternatively, regular blinds can be used. Then, each player is given five cards face down, and a betting round takes place.

After the bets are placed, players can choose if they want to discard any cards. Then, another betting round takes place. At the end of the round, the remaining players compare their cards, and the best hand takes the pot.

3-Card Poker

Although it differs from regular poker variants, 3-Card Poker is highly popular among casino fans. The main difference is that players face the dealer, not other players. In this type of poker, players start by placing one or two bets โ€“ an โ€œanteโ€ or โ€œpair plusโ€. The former is a mandatory bet, while the latter is an additional bet players can place if they think they will obtain pair or better.

Then, each player receives three cards face down. Players look at their cards and place a โ€œplayโ€ bet if they want to proceed and face the dealer. If they decide to fold, the dealer collects the โ€œanteโ€ and the โ€œpair plusโ€ bets previously placed. 

If the dealer fails to qualify, meaning he doesnโ€™t have a jack-high or better, the โ€œplayโ€ bet is returned to players. In the case of a queen-higher or better, โ€œplayโ€ and โ€œanteโ€ bets are paid 1:1 if the players have a better combination. If the dealerโ€™s hand is better, all bets are collected.

Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean Stud Poker games are top-rated in the US. Similarly to 3-Card Poker, itโ€™s a poker variation where players go against the dealer instead of other players. The game begins with players betting an โ€œanteโ€. Then, each player gets five cards, while the dealer deals himself four cards and a fifth card facing up.

Before proceeding, players can look at their hand and make one of two decisions โ€“ fold or place an additional bet, usually equal to two times the ante. After all players have made their decision, the dealer shows his cards. 

The dealer can qualify by having an ace-king or higher. In case the player gets a better hand, the ante is paid 1:1, and the extra bet is paid according to the paytable. If the dealer fails to qualify, the ante bet is paid 1:1, and the extra bet is returned to the players.

Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em

Many players consider Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em one of the most challenging poker variations. Like 3-Card Stud and Caribbean Stud Poker, players face the dealer. Players must place an โ€œanteโ€ bet to join the round, as with other poker variants

Players have a chance to place more bets during the round, usually between one and five times the ante. Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em has a few side bets available to players, including blinds and trips. These are paid if the player obtains a straight or better or a three-of-a-kind or better.

Similarly to other poker versions, the dealer must qualify, otherwise, the ante is returned. To qualify, the dealer must have a pair or better.


Whatโ€™s The Best Poker Variation For You?

Poker Variants

If youโ€™re new to the world of poker variants, there are a few things you should be aware of before choosing the best poker variation for you โ€“ rules, odds, bets, and payouts. Knowing these aspects about each variant can help you devise a winning strategy to manage your bankroll and potentially minimize losses.

Letโ€™s start with the rules. Different types of poker games have different rules. If youโ€™re more comfortable with the classic rules, stick to Texas Holdโ€™Em Poker or similar poker variants. Consider a more complex game if youโ€™re looking for an innovative twist.

Knowing how to calculate odds is also extremely important. Itโ€™ll help you determine if a hand is worth chasing and if your bet is high enough for the pot. Keep in mind that different poker variations will have different odds, though.

Bets will depend on the poker variant youโ€™re playing. Some games require an โ€œanteโ€ bet, while others let players bet whenever they want. You should also pay attention to the payouts. In classic types of poker, payouts depend on the potโ€™s size. However, in some variations, the payouts vary according to the hand obtained.

Best poker variations in terms of profitability

Profitability in poker can result from two situationsโ€“ games with a low house edge, resulting in a higher chance of winning, or games with high payouts, where the stakes are usually higher. Learn about the more profitable poker variations below:

Poker variants with the lowest house edge

Poker Variants

Luckily, most poker variants donโ€™t have a house edge, as players face each other, not the casino. However, if youโ€™re looking to play against the dealer, consider the following options:

Poker variants with the highest payouts

As expected, the highest payouts in poker are obtained in the most popular games. This is because they have large player bases and regular tournaments hosted daily. Check out the types of poker that payout the most:

Best poker variations based on your skill level

Alternatively, you can choose a poker variation based on your skill. Beginners will benefit from games with simple gameplay and straightforward bets. On the other hand, experienced players may prefer complexity and high stakes. Learn about the best types of poker for each skill level below:

Poker variants for beginners

If youโ€™re a beginner, you should opt for one of the following poker variants:

Poker variants for experienced players

If youโ€™re an experienced player, you may prefer complex variants, such as:


Poker Variations You Shouldnโ€™t Play

We suggest avoiding these types of poker if you want to improve your chances of winning:

Frequently Asked Questions

The house edge is only present in variants where players face the dealer. Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em has the lowest house edge of all poker games where players can go against the dealer.
The most complex variants are Omaha and Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em. Omaha Poker is complex because players must pick two out of four hole cards to create a hand. Ultimate Texas Holdโ€™Em is challenging to play due to its high stakes and various bets.
If youโ€™re a beginner, we recommend playing Texas Holdโ€™Em Poker or 3-Card Stud.

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