Types of Poker and How to Play Them

Poker is a card game that is played with cards. There are different types of poker, including Draw, Community card, and Pot-limit versions. Each style has its own unique characteristics, but the basic rules are the same for all of them. Learn more about the different types of poker and how to play them to improve your game.

Pot-limit poker

Pot-limit poker has become a popular poker variant. Its limits are larger than those of Fixed-Limit poker, yet it doesn’t allow players to go all-in like in No-Limit poker. This is a great option for players who want a little more control over their betting.

Draw poker

The origins of Draw poker go back to the Middle Ages. It gained popularity when it was brought to the American West. At the time, the game was associated with outlaws and tough guys.

Community card poker

Community card poker is a card game played by two or more players. The game involves six cards in total: five hole cards and five community cards. The community cards are dealt in a cross pattern to each player, beginning with the center card and going to the left and right. In some variants, the last card is discarded.

Straight poker

In poker, a straight is any five-card sequence that beats all other poker hands. It is the sixth-highest hand in the hand-ranking charts, and beats a Three of a kind, a Two pair, a Pair, and a High card. In tournaments, like the World Series of Poker, the suits are ignored, making a straight a strong hand against any opponent.

Holdouts

Holdouts in poker are when players hold onto cards from the deck in hopes that they will come up with a winning hand. The holdout is usually a low-value card called a dead wood. It is used to cheat in poker and is known as one of the worst ways to cheat.

Bluffing

Bluffing in poker involves deceiving your opponents into betting less than their true value. This is a skill that must be developed. Often, the best clue that a player is bluffing is their betting pattern. If you notice any sudden changes in their betting pattern, this might indicate that they’re bluffing. Other tells you can spot include their body language and table position.