Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the Philippines and around the world. It dates back to the 19th century and nowadays there are quite a few types of poker to choose from. Moreover, each type comes with different rules and opportunities to win. Of course, poker is available at virtually any casino – online or not.
Besides gaming for fun, you could even go professional and participate in events like the World Series of Poker. But before that, you’d need to get familiar with the different kinds of online poker and their rules. So in this comprehensive guide we’ll walk you through all the details.
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Main Types of Poker Categories
There are four main categories of online poker games that you should know about:
Draw Games
Draw games are poker games that allow players to trade in (draw) several cards to make the best possible hand. Usually, casinos offer the 5-card and 7-card draw. In these versions, players are dealt 5 or 7 cards and can exchange up to 3 of them to get three more cards.
Stud Games
Unlike draw games, stud games do not allow players to trade in cards. Often, the final hand includes all original cards. But this game is a great choice for beginners as it doesn’t require players to make complex decisions. Instead, you only have to decide whether to fold or play.
Community Cards Games
Community card games use two types of cards. Each player receives hole cards, face down, that only they can use. Additionally, there are community cards as well, which all players can use to make a hand. The most common type of community card game is Texas Hold ’em.
Mixed Games
This basically refers to combining more than one type of poker into one game. The most widely available mixed game is H.O.R.S.E. It includes rounds of Texas Hold ’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, and Seven Card Stud, among others.
Popular Types of Poker
Of course, there are countless types of poker out there on the market that you could opt for. But the most commonly available online casinos in the Philippines include:
Texas Hold ’em
Texas Hold ’em is one of the most popular types of poker globally. The game gained popularity mainly due to T.V. and the internet. Moreover, it is definitely the best game for a beginner poker player. In addition, thanks to the growing popularity of the game there are many online information resources you can rely on. Those will give you a deeper insight into how to play the game well.
Essentially, the goal of Texas Hold ’em is to make the best possible five-card poker hand. You will receive two face-down cards of your own and will use an additional five community cards. Basically, the game has four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turner, and river. In each betting stage, you will have to decide whether to fold or play. Once the final betting round is over, the players will reveal their hands. The player with the highest 5-poker hand wins.
Omaha
Like Texas Hold ’em, Omaha is a community card game that can include 2 to 10 players. Although actually Omaha Hold ’em, most players prefer calling it Omaha or Omaha High. The main difference between the two games is that you get four cards when playing Omaha instead of two.
Moreover, you have to use only two cards to create a poker hand and all players play to the end. Omaha also uses five community cards, and the betting is the same as Texas Hold ’em. Of course, the player with the best hand at the showdown wins.
Criss Cross Poker and Double Cross Poker
Criss Cross poker is another type of poker that evolved from Texas Hold ’em. However, it’s just for 6 to 8 players and gives players 8 cards to work with. Because there are wild cards in the game, players have to stay until the end. Moreover, you can also expect bigger hands than in Texas Hold ’em.
On the other hand, Double Cross poker is a high-low version of Criss Cross poker. It’s one of the few games that evolved from Texas Hold ‘em and deals seven cards to players. They have to make the best high or low hand with those.
Five Card Draw
Five-card draw poker is exactly what it sounds like. With this game, the goal is to make the best possible five-card poker hand. Usually, play begins once everyone on the table receives their 5 cards. From there, place your bet, exchange up to three cards, and go for another round. The player with the best hand wins.
Seven Card Stud
Seven card stud was popular even before Texas Hold ’em. The game is more about skill and can host 2 to 8 players. In addition, there is no community cards or flop. Each player receives seven cards, three face down and four face up. Of course, you have to choose the best five-card combination. Players will reveal their hands after the last betting round and the best one wins.
Three Card Poker
Three-card poker is a simple variant of poker where players receive only three cards. Moreover, in three card poker the players play against the dealer and not other players. It’s a great choice for beginners, as it is easy to learn and fun to play. It’s also a great introduction to skill-based card games. Of course, the goal is to make the best possible three-card hand.
Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker is a variant of poker that combines elements of the Pai Gow and classical poker. The game is relatively slow-paced and uses the standard 52-card deck. Pai Gow poker appeals more to gamblers who prefer more leisurely casino games. The goal is for both of the player’s hands (2-card hand and 5-card hand) to rank higher than the dealer’s. Up to 6 players can play at a time.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean stud poker is a type of poker based on the traditional five-card stud poker. The game is quite easy to learn, and it’s played with a single deck of cards. Also, in Caribbean Stud, you play against the dealer rather than against other players.
Hi/Low Chicago
These two types of poker are similar to seven-card stud. In High Chicago, players stay until the end, when someone wins. Here, half of the pot goes to the player with the best hand. The other half goes to the player with the highest Spade hole card. Low Chicago is the opposite – the best hand wins half of the pot, and the lowest spade wins the other.
Follow the Queen
This variant also has a similar format to 7 stud poker. The main difference is that Follow the Queen introduces wild cards. This changes players’ strategy and adds an element of fun to the game. The player with the best five-card hand wins the game.
Billabong and Shanghai
Basically, Billabong and Shanghai is a mixed version of Manila. The game is played with low upcards and community cards. It’s more popular in Asia, especially in the Philippines.
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Basic Glossary for All Poker Types
Although the varying poker types can have different rules, all of them have some basic terms in common:
- Ante – Refers to the initial bet placed by players;
- Blinds – Mandatory bets(big and small) placed before any cards are dealt;
- Call – This refers to matching a bet or a raise;
- Check – A player checks to pass the action to another player;
- Raise – Increasing the size of your bet in a betting round.
Video Poker Explained
Video poker is an interesting fusion of two worlds. It uses the fun interface of online slots but with poker rules. It’s an RNG-powered option and has plenty of variants like Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, Joker Poker, and others. You can play video poker alone, so the betting rounds often take less time. But the goal is still the same – get the best hand possible to win.
Cash Games and Tournaments
Besides casual casino games, you can also play poker in cash games and tournaments. The two have the same fundamentals but with different characteristics. Usually, cash games are on a single table with 2 to 20 players. Moreover, the level is blind and doesn’t change. Players can join a cash game any time if there’s a seat at the table. To enter a cash game, you have to exchange cash with chips of the same value.
Tournaments are a bit more complex and come in different structures and formats. First, they could be on single or multiple tables. Schedule tournaments have a fixed start time, while sit-and-go tournaments don’t. In addition, to join the tournament, you’ll have to pay an entry fee. Players are eliminated when they lose all their chips, and the last player with chips wins.
Enjoy Poker
Poker is one of the most popular casino games of all time – and for good reason. There are dozens of poker types to choose from, suitable for novice and expert players. But besides discovering the best version for you, you also need a good casino to play at. Check out our casino reviews to see what gaming platform in the Philippines suits your needs best.
FAQ
There are four main categories: draw, stud, community card, and mixed games, with dozens of options each.
Absolutely! Most casino sites are compatible with mobile device browsers or dedicated apps.
Texas Hold ’em is the most popular poker in online casinos, but you can find a variety of options in most casinos.
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