Poker's most obscure variants

Poker games are some of the most popular casino games in the world. They can be played online and in land-based venues. Land-based gaming venues and online poker providers usually offer the most famous poker variants. These variants are great introductions to the world of poker, and they are definitely worth a try. However, a growing number of players are looking for more obscure and unusual poker variants. They have played some of these games many times and want to try something new. But what are some lesser-known variants that can be found easily? Why are they unusual? Read on to find out.

Understanding the different types of poker variants

As experienced players will know, there are many different types of poker games. The rules will vary from one variation to the next. This is why it is important to check which variant you are about to play before the game starts. You will need to check and learn the rules of that variant if you do not know them.

There are three main poker variant categories. These are:

• Draw poker

• Stud poker

• Community card poker

Most variants will fall into one of these three categories, which is why knowing them and understanding them can be helpful. Let's explore these variant categories now to help you understand the differences between them. With draw poker variants, players are dealt a full hand before the betting round even begins. Throughout the rest of the game, they will try and improve their hand by 'drawing' cards. It is only at the very end of the game that players will reveal their full hand.

The most famous draw poker game is five-card draw

With stud poker variants, players are dealt face-down and face-up cards. In other words, some of their cards will be concealed from other players, but some will be visible to all. The face-down cards are referred to as hole cards. The face-up ones are called door cards. Famous stud poker variants include five-card stud and seven-card stud.

Community card poker is generally considered to be the most popular poker category

This poker category relies on community cards. A community card is any card that is dealt face-up in the center of the table. Players can use these cards to complete and improve their hand.

Famous community card poker variants include Texas Hold'em and Omaha. These are the three main poker categories. Each category has a famous variant like Texas Hold'em, five-card stud or five-card draw. But what are some more unusual poker variants? Which category do they belong to? Why are they so unusual?

Unusual poker variants

There are many unusual and obscure poker variant games out there. Here are some of the most unique ones.

• Badugi

Badugi is a fun and more unusual draw poker variant. It is easy to learn which makes it perfect for new and intermediate players. Instead of being dealt five cards as with more traditional poker games, players will receive four cards face-down. Throughout the game, they will try and improve their hand by exchanging some of their cards for new ones. They can only change their cards during one the game's three drawing rounds.

During these rounds, they can return up to 4 cards and ask to be dealt new ones. The winner will be the player with the lowest four-card hand. The best four-card hand in badugi is an Ace followed by a 2, 3 and 4. All of the cards should be in a different suit.

Why is an Ace in the best badugi hand possible? Because Aces are worth one point in this original poker variant.

• Pineapple Poker

Pineapple Poker is a community card poker game and a variant of Texas Hold'em. It is a great option for players who love Texas Hold'Em but want to play a slightly different variant. Like with Texas Hold'Em, players are dealt some hole cards at the beginning of Pineapple Poker. However, unlike with the famous variant, players receive three hole cards instead of two. They then have to sacrifice one of their hole cards and return it to the dealer. They continue playing with two hole cards only. To win at Pineapple Poker, players will need to create the best five-card poker hand using their two hole cards and three community cards.

In short, Pineapple Poker is very similar to Texas Hold'Em. It is a good introduction to slightly different variants of famous games. Those who want more unusual games can try other pineapple variants like Crazy Pineapple Poker or Lazy Pineapple Poker.

Final thoughts

These are some of the most obscure poker variants out there. Of course, there are many more variations of poker that exist. New ones emerge every year which means players can expect even more obscure and unusual variants to come out soon.