Types of Poker

Poker is a language spoken worldwide, a classic card game that comes in endless flavors and styles. While Texas Hold’em may dominate the headlines, poker’s universe is vast, with a dizzying array of types of poker to fit every temperament. 

Whether you’re chasing big pots in a smoky casino, battling friends at home, or exploring ingenious modern variants online, knowledge of the different types of poker is key to enjoyment and success. This in-depth guide demystifies game variations, explains the most popular poker kinds, and helps you find the perfect game for your skill, mood, and ambition.

The Different Types of Poker

From the grand halls of Monte Carlo to rowdy kitchen tables, the types of games you can play are as varied as the players themselves. Some use shared board cards, others rely on private “hole” cards, and still others opt for exotic twists to the age-old rules. If you ever wondered, "how many types of poker are there?"—the answer keeps growing, thanks to the creativity of card lovers everywhere. Below, we break down classic and trending types of poker games. Each has its own rules, drama, and culture.

• Texas Hold’em

Without a doubt, Texas Hold’em is the world’s most beloved form—and arguably the flagship among all types of poker. Each player receives two private hole cards and plays the best five-card hand they can, using their hole cards and five shared community cards dealt in the center. Hold’em’s simple setup, deep strategic play, and televised tournament glitz propelled it to global stardom.

• Omaha

Widely played in both cash poker types of games and tournaments, Omaha takes Hold’em’s structure and cranks up the action. Players get four hole cards, but must use exactly two in combination with three of the five community cards. Omaha, often in the thrilling “pot-limit” betting format, creates larger pots and even more variations, especially with its Hi-Lo split version.

• Five-O

A rarely seen but fascinating addition to the card game universe, Five-O offers a fresh twist on hand-building. Each player is simultaneously dealt five independent hands and then must make the best hand for each row. It combines elements of draw with multi-hand play, opening up new tactics for players who crave creative poker formats.

• Chinese

Chinese Poker is a world apart from classic community card games. Each participant is dealt 13 cards and must organize them into three separate game hands: two containing five cards and one with three. Points are awarded based on how your hand combinations compare against opponents’. With its unique scoring and dealer rotation, it stands out as one of the most unconventional types of poker card games.

• Follow the Queen

A favorite in home games, Follow the Queen is typically played as a stud poker variant where wild cards change dynamically based on which cards are dealt face-up, particularly Queens. This shifting wild-card rule keeps every hand unpredictable, making it one of those types of poker slots that delivers on both suspense and surprise.

• Chicago

Chicago can refer to either Chicago High or Low, both card game variants with a twist: the highest (or lowest) spade dealt face-down wins half the pot, in addition to the usual best hand. This unique split-pot mechanism means the strategy is different from other traditional poker types of slots, injecting a side-battle right into the heart of the classic version.

• 5-Card Draw

As one of the oldest and most accessible forms, 5-Card Draw is likely the game you learned as a child at the kitchen table. Each player receives five private cards, bets, then discards unwanted cards in exchange for new ones in the hopes of improving their hand. Its simplicity makes it the perfect introduction to what are the types of poker for beginners.

• 2-7 Triple Draw

Another connoisseur’s favorite, 2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball draw game where the best hand is the lowest one (straight and flushes count against you, and aces are always high). Played over three drawing rounds with several betting rounds, it’s a challenging and refreshingly different entry among the card games.

Other Popular Poker Variants

The world of the card game is always evolving, spinning out new variations that catch fire in the card game rooms and online platforms.

• Pineapple

Pineapple is a playful offshoot of Texas Hold’em—instead of two hole cards, players get three but must discard one at a specified stage. Different Pineapple versions tweak the discard timing, adding new dimensions and fun to an already popular game.

• Short Deck (6+) Poker

A modern phenomenon, Short Deck (6+) Poker removes all cards under 6, resulting in a 36-card deck. This boosts the frequency of premium starting hands and big post-flop action. The hand ranking and odds change, making it an exciting choice in the library of types of poker.

Different Betting Formats in Poker

Beyond hand structure, formats are defined by their betting style. The major ones are:

• No-Limit: Bet any amount at any time, up to your stack. Most famously found in Texas Hold’em.
• Pot-Limit: You may bet up to the total pot size. Omaha is almost always played this way.
• Fixed-Limit: Bets and raises are fixed amounts; popular in some old-school games.
• Spread-Limit: Allows a range between minimum and maximum bets.
• Limit/Spread Betting in Stud and Draw: Traditional versions of 7-Card Stud or 5-Card Draw often use fixed-limit, leading to a different pace and strategy.

Whatever your game, knowing these betting landscapes is vital for session management and selecting your favorite among different types.

If you like big pots and fast swings, these are some of the most popular types of poker for action lovers.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Poker?

If you ask most fans, "what are the different types of poker" three dominate on a global scale:

1. Texas Hold’em (no-limit and sometimes limit)
2. Omaha (pot-limit, especially as Omaha Hi or Omaha Hi-Lo)
3. 7-Card Stud (the former king of Las Vegas before Hold’em took over)

Online rooms and casinos also offer types of casino poker games like Caribbean Stud. 

Choose the best type of poker for you

With so many options, what types of poker are there for you to try, and how do you pick? Start by considering your personal style:

• Love strategy and player reads? Texas Hold’em or Omaha.
• Prefer straightforward, classic play? 5-Card Draw or Stud.
• Like wild, ever-changing games? Try Follow the Queen or Pineapple.
• Want to compete for points, not just pots? Chinese version awaits.

Experimenting with types of slots can also be a great solo way to learn hand rankings and develop your strategic mind. Remember, there’s no single "best" answer—explore, test, and find the format that makes the game exciting for you.

Let It Ride, and types of video poker such as Jacks or Better. But if you’re new or want to go where the action is, start with Texas Hold’em—by far the leading star among all game variants.