Poker is one of the best online casino games for beginners, but you’ll need some skill. Knowing the rules and value of each hand is only half of it, as you’ll also need a strong mind and the ability to make decisions under pressure, especially if you’re hoping to compete in online poker tournaments.

As a new player, you’ll likely have lots of questions regarding the different types of poker games available. This guide covers some of the most common poker game variations and how they’re played. This will help you decide which one appeals to you most.

Different Poker Variations for Beginners

So, how many types of poker are there? There are three main classifications of poker—draw poker, stud poker, and community card poker—each of which has a number of variations. Some online poker games are more popular than others, and this is due to the difference in hand values, the number of betting rounds, and the actions that are taken between each round. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the most popular types of poker for beginners.

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em poker is arguably the most popular variation and is widely accessible at both land-based and online casinos. It’s also the preferred poker variant played during online poker tournaments. This variant can be played with anything from two to 10 players at the same table, which can greatly affect your position at the table. But whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em online or live, the principles remain the same.

At the start of the game, the two players sitting to the left of the dealer each have to place a forced bet known as a blind (which helps to build the pot.) This signals the start of the hand when each player receives two “hole” cards. Always dealt face-down, hole cards are private and can only be viewed by the player.

The game begins with the player to the left of the blinds placing a bet. The action moves around the table with players either checking, raising, or folding so that everyone still playing has bet an equal amount. At any point, a player can fold if they don’t wish to continue. Once the opening betting round has ended, the dealer deals the “flop” face-up in the center of the table. These are the first three of five “community cards,” which any player can use to improve their hand. The flop is followed by another round of betting.

The final two community cards, known as the turn and the river, are revealed one at a time, with betting taking place between each round. The aim of the game is to create the best possible five-card hand using the hole and community cards. The strongest hand, according to a particular hierarchy of hands, wins. If you’re looking to explore more, you can review additional Texas Hold’em poker game variations that introduce different betting structures like limit or pot-limit formats.

Omaha

Also known as Omaha High, Omaha poker is regarded as one of the best poker games for skilled players due to its high-profit potential. It plays similarly to Texas Hold’em, with five community cards, but each player receives four hole cards and must use exactly two of them in combination with three of the community cards to form the best hand.

Omaha’s popularity is driven by the higher number of strong playable hands that result from being dealt four hole cards. For players looking for a more complex variation, Omaha Hi-Lo offers even more excitement by splitting the pot between the best high and low hands. 

For a deeper dive into alternative tournaments, explore types of poker tournaments other than Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Short Deck

Not usually found in major poker tournaments, Short Deck poker is played with a reduced deck of 36 cards, with all twos through fives removed. Another notable change in this variation is that a flush beats a full house. The increased odds of drawing stronger hands make this a fast-paced and entertaining variant for newcomers.

While Short Deck is relatively easy to learn, its unconventional hand rankings may pose a challenge for players looking to transition into more traditional formats later on. However, if you’re just looking for a fun, casual option, it’s a fantastic way to experience poker from a fresh angle.

Stud Poker

Stud poker games are classic and involve a mix of face-up and face-down cards dealt over several betting rounds. Common examples include Seven-Card Stud and Caribbean Stud. Each round brings new information as cards are revealed, making the game both strategic and intuitive. Beginners can get familiar with these through popular stud poker variants, which break down rules and strategy clearly.

Draw Poker

Draw poker is another fundamental classification where players receive a full hand and can replace unwanted cards after the initial deal. Though not as common in tournaments today, games like Five-Card Draw feature regularly among home poker variants to play with friends.

Mixed Games

Mixed games combine several poker styles into a single rotation, challenging players to adapt quickly. Beginners may not start here, but it’s helpful to be aware of formats like HORSE or Dealer’s Choice. You can learn about different mixed games like Razz, HORSE, and others to see what more advanced tournament structures involve.

Pineapple Poker

Another great beginner-friendly variant is Pineapple poker. Similar to Texas Hold’em, players are dealt three hole cards instead of two, but one must be discarded at a specific point in the hand. This slight twist introduces new strategic depth without deviating far from familiar Hold’em mechanics. You can find this and other options explored further in our guide on new and lesser-known poker variants.

Build Your Experience with BetMGM

As a new poker player, building a strong foundation in accessible, beginner-friendly variants is key to developing your strategy and confidence. Whether you’re diving into Texas Hold’em, experimenting with Omaha, or exploring more unique options like Pineapple or Short Deck, BetMGM provides all the tools you need to get started.

With access to beginner-friendly tables, informative articles, and expert strategies—including a detailed poker tournament strategy for beginners—you’re in the best position to grow your poker skills. Start playing with BetMGM today to explore poker in all its forms and enjoy the action of online tournaments and classic games alike.

You can play poker online right now and take advantage of an exclusive poker welcome offer to kickstart your journey.