Poker game descriptions

Texas Hold’em^

Texas Hold’em is a fast and fun variation of Seven Card Stud that is the game of choice for all Poker Tournament Championship Events. Initially, two cards (hole cards) are dealt face down to each player, then there is a betting round. Three cards, customarily called the flop, are then dealt face up in the center of the table. Those three community cards are part of each player’s hand. Another betting round occurs. Another card, called the turn, is dealt in the center, followed by another betting round. Then a final card, called the river, is dealt in the center, followed by a final betting round. The hole cards of bet and called hands are turned over and a winner is determined by the highest five-card hand.

Seven Card Stud^

Seven Card Stud is probably the easiest to learn and the most well known of all poker games. Each player is dealt seven cards unique to to the player, starting with two cards (hole cards) face down and one card face up. Three more cards are dealt to each player face up, with betting rounds in between. Then a final card is dealt face down, followed by a final betting round. The best five-card hand wins the money.

Seven Card Stud (8 or Better)^

Seven Card Stud (8 or Better) is a fast-action game in which the “best” (highest) and “worst” (lowest) hands split the pot. Straights and flushes have no ranking in the low hand, although you can win both high and low if your hand can qualify for both. An A-2-3-4-5 is the best hand for low and and also makes a straight. You can use one set of five cards for high and a different set of five cards for low and win both halves of the pot if holding the best high and low hands. To win low, your hand must be an 8 low or lower. Seven Card Stud (8 or Better) offers the player multiple ways to draw in every hand and the games can get fast and loose.

Razz^

Razz is dealt the same as Seven Card Stud, except the “worst” (lowest) hand wins. Aces are low, straights and flushes have no ranking, and the best hand is A-2-3-4-5, commonly known as a wheel. If you keep getting dealt low cards in Seven Card Stud, this may be your game.

Omaha^

Omaha is an action variation of Hold’em, dealt the same way, except players start with four cards face down instead of two. Two downcards out of the hand must be used along with three on the board to make your best five-card hand. Because there are six two-card combinations in each individual player’s hand rather than two, there are many more drawing opportunities per player than in Hold’em—creating a fast-paced, exciting poker game.

Omaha (8 or Better)^

Omaha (8 or Better) is dealt in the same manner as Omaha, but the “best” (highest) and “worst” (lowest) hands split the pot. Aces count for low in low and either high or low in high. An A-2-3-4-5 is the best hand for low and and also makes a straight. To win low, your hand must be an 8 low or lower. Since different two-card combination can be used from your hand for high and for low and the same player may win both high and low in the same hand, this game provides even more drawing opportunities per player than the high version of Omaha. These games can get very fast and furious.

Draw^

Draw is the old-time traditional poker game in which five cards are dealt face down to each player, a betting round occurs, and each player is afforded an opportunity to replace any or all of the five cards (or none!), after which there is a second round of betting. At the showdown, the highest five-card hand takes down the money.

Lowball^

Lowball is dealt the same as Draw, except in Lowball the “worst” (lowest) hand wins the money. Aces are low, straights and flushes have no ranking, and the best hand is A-2-3-4-5, commonly known as a wheel.