Updated on July 13, 2023
Imagine games with wild cards, pot matching, and some intense twists!
Poker offers a wealth of variety beyond the usual format. poker games Many players today are used to the casino experience, while others might recall some wild times spent playing at home. poker room – games like Texas Holdem , Omaha , and Seven Card Stud Whether it’s kitchen table poker or the backroom games with various rules that involve wild cards and unique card values, these experiences can lead to some thrilling gameplay. home game .
Let’s take a closer look at these interesting games. Bring your lucky charm along; remember to keep your cool—some of these options can be quite unpredictable!
This was one of Daniel Negreanu's favorite childhood games in Toronto, and he often reminisces about it. Players receive seven cards face down and take turns rolling them one at a time, betting until they reach five cards. suckouts are definitely on the menu.
#1 – Vanunu
This was one of Daniel Negreanu This game turns into an auction of sorts. After the last card is revealed face up, participants can choose to discard one card to draw another, paying a set price for an upcard or double for a downcard. upcards and two downcards .
In Negreanu’s adaptation, each player needs to declare whether they are aiming for low, high, or both by putting coins on the table at the same time – one coin for low, two for high, and three for both. Players who choose both must win in both categories to claim any of the pot.
Additionally, if only low declarations are made, the player with the best low hand scoops the entire pot without any high hand considered. It’s a fascinating game packed with multiple intentions and strategies. pot Players need to be careful with their declarations. Getting it wrong while trying to play both sides could prove to be quite expensive. With some luck, you might channel Negreanu's prowess and win plenty of pots.
So, this one can go from High-Low to Lowball There's a delightful twist to traditional Texas Hold’em known affectionately as Pineapple, which has quickly become a favorite. In this version, each player starts with three cards, then discards one before the initial betting round kicks off. The remainder of the betting proceeds just like classic Texas Hold’em.
#2 – Pineapple and Crazy/Lazy Pineapple
Pineapple poker In Crazy Pineapple, players wait until after the flop to discard a card. All the other rules from the standard Hold’em game still apply. Lazy Pineapple allows players to hold onto their three cards until after the river and the last betting round to discard one.
What’s the unique element? The addition of an extra card and the discarding process gives it a refreshing spin, often causing players to mistakenly get rid of an important card.
You might have a great pair, only to realize that the card you discarded would have completed a much stronger hand for you. That seemingly insignificant two could have potentially been a winning card. muck This twist can drive you a bit mad, yet it’s still an exhilarating experience – perhaps even more enjoyable with a chilled drink by your side! straight #3 – Criss Cross, Fiery Cross, or Iron Cross trips with runner-runner 2s.
Picture five cards laid down in a cross shape on the poker table. poker . Enjoy!
This game brings forth a significant thrill as each player gets dealt four cards, while five cards are set face down in a cross arrangement at the center of the table. After the initial betting round, one of the edge cards is flipped over. The betting continues, following the same pattern until only the center card remains face down.
Numerous variations exist, with some allowing players to use more than two of their own cards or introducing a high/low split option. A common twist is making the center card wild, leading to some intriguing dynamics.
That central card has the potential to completely alter the strength of your hand—positively or negatively. What once seemed like a solid hand could suddenly become a costly defeat.
This game mixes elements from both Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and can be a game of chance as well. Participants start with four cards, and the pre-flop betting follows the classic structure. hole cards Yet, after betting takes place on the flop, players must discard two of their cards. The rest of the game then plays out similarly to Hold’em. The act of discarding introduces unique chances to form a stronger hand, but players might wonder whether those two cards thrown away could have led to a better outcome after the turn and river are revealed. showdowns It's natural for thoughts like these to arise at the table:
#4 – Irish Poker
“If only I had held onto those two spades during the turn and river, I would have stood a much better chance!”
Irish poker tends to flow a bit differently than Hold’em, and such reflections are integral to the fun. Take time to consider the cards you decide to return.
Sometimes, luck just plays in your favor. This statement rings true in these types of games. Black Mariah and Low Chicago are variants of Seven-Card Stud . In Black Mariah, the player holding the highest spade in the hole claims half the pot. That’s the whole rule right there, with no need for complex calculations or deep analysis of your hand. Just hope you are fortunate enough to draw that low spade and watch the pot grow since half is yours.
“Damn, I’d have made a full house !”
Imagine the surprise in Wisconsin when Phil Hellmuth’s 3♠ was outdone by the 2♠. That must have sparked a memorable rant. This game is also sometimes referred to as Low Chicago , with High Chicago being the opposite—where the player with the highest spade in the hole splits the pot. It may not require much skill, but it can lead to some sizable pots. nut flush if I’d kept that King. Argh!”
Some players select to create a side pot instead of sharing the main pot. Hellmuth often added wild cards, like One-Eyed Jacks and Suicide Kings , to amp up the excitement. The name “Black Mariah” might stem from a villain in Luke Cage comics; however, within the game, Black Mariah takes the role of a hero, bringing plenty of winnings.
#5 – Black Mariah or Low Chicago
Badugi is a lowball game where players receive four cards. Played with blinds, it features three drawing rounds. After the betting phase, players can choose to keep their cards (this is called standing pat) or discard some or all. three-betting , slow playing Play continues until all but one participant has folded or until the third drawing round ends. The objective is to create the lowest possible hand without any pairs, ensuring all cards have unique suits. For instance, A♥ 2♣ 3♦ 4♠ would be the lowest possible Badugi. A hand with a pair or duplicates would only qualify as a three-card Badugi, meaning A♥ 2♣ 3♦ 7♣ or 6♥ 7♣ 8♦ 8♠ would not win against a complete four-card Badugi. Straights and flushes aren't considered valid for forming a hand in Badugi.
This was a favourite of Phil Hellmuth This aspect can be quite frustrating. You might hold on to A♥ 2♣ 3♦ but keep drawing diamonds, clubs, or hearts – ouch!
Ready to further shake up your poker experience? Badeucy is an exciting blend of Badugi and ... . Like Badugi, this game features three rounds of betting and drawing. The pot is split between the player with the best four-card Badugi hand and the one with the best five-card 2-7 hand. However, Aces are considered high in this game, meaning the premier Badugi hand needs to start with a 2, leading to the game's name. For example, holding 2♣ 3♥ 4♠ 5♦ 7♦ would yield the best possible combinations for both Badugi and 2-7—where 2♣ 3♥ 4♠ 5♦ is the most favorable Badugi. Deuces The introduction of another card makes it easier for players to form lower Badugi hands. Higher Badugis may become less frequent winners, presenting a challenge, especially in a setting where participants making strong hands will keep betting and increasing the pot.
#6 – Badugi
It’s an intricate game demanding careful thought, but it can be costly if you cling too long hoping to outdraw your rivals. Stay focused on crafting the best hand possible in this Lowball/Lowball split-pot environment. Do you grasp all of this?
Now it's time to pass, pass, and roll those cards. This unique variant of Seven-Card Stud has players receiving seven cards, all facedown. After an initial round of betting, players pass three cards to a neighboring participant to their left or right (this is determined by the current game rules). After another betting round, players will pass along two cards, and finally one last card post another betting session.
Players must then select the best five cards from their holdings and stack them face down. Cards are revealed one after the other, accompanied by a betting round until all five cards have been shown. Some groups may opt for just two rounds of passing cards, with others frequently playing it as a high-low split format.
This game can feel a bit frustrating at times. You might need to break apart a previously arranged hand. And, when you aim for low, your opponents may just happily pass you a bunch of high cards.
The origin of the name might be lost in history, but perhaps it’s a nod to the extended betting duration or the train-like flow of cards around the table. Regardless of its roots, this can be a thrilling game full of surprises. 2-7 Triple Draw This poker variant can require immense bravery – and could swiftly drain your finances. In this distinctive version, players are dealt three cards and can choose to either play their hand or not by simultaneously placing a chip in the center. The winner claims the entire pot, and those who lose must match that amount. For instance, if $5 is in the pot with three players participating, the two who lose then contribute to refilling the pot, creating a new pot totaling $10.
This energetic process keeps repeating until only one player walks away with the whole pot. It results in significant action and enjoyment. Winning larger pots entails courage, as the game title implies, and pots can significantly expand if several players choose to stay and match the pot.
An initial $10 pot can skyrocket to $40 with four players remaining. Should an additional three players join in, the total rises to $120. If three more linger? You can gauge where this adventure leads. Do you have the spirit for it?
#7 – Anaconda
Discover 12 imaginative variations of poker that inject new life into the traditional game—ideal for those players eager for a change of pace. dealer 12 Unconventional Poker Styles You Haven't Yet Experienced
At 888poker, we delve into ten fascinating and distinctive card games that may be on your radar or completely off it. Explore the wildest home game variations from around the globe!
12 Distinctive Poker Variants That Challenge Conventional Play - 888poker
Featuring wild cards, pot matching, and an intense cross layout!
#8 – Three-Card Guts
Poker encompasses much more than just the standard game format.
Many modern players are familiar with casino settings, while others may recall memorable times of losses during turbulent games.
Those home games around the kitchen table or in secret back rooms, where players utilized a mix of card numbers, wild cards, and special rules, can create truly engaging table dynamics.
#9 – Cincinnati
Let’s take a look at some of those unique games. Bring your lucky charm with you and be prepared for surprises—after all, in some of these variations, stakes can get heated. board poker games
One of the most cherished games from Daniel Negreanu's childhood in Toronto features players receiving seven cards face down, taking turns to roll them one at a time. Betting continues until five cards are revealed.
This card game takes on an auction-like format. Players can choose to return a card and acquire a new one after the last card is shown face up, paying a set price for an upcard and twice as much for a downcard.
poker room
In Negreanu’s rendition of the game, players must indicate whether they aim for low, high, or both by placing coins on the table at the same time—one coin for low, two for high, or three for both. Those opting for both need to win in both categories to receive any winnings. – games like Moreover, if only low declarations are made, the best low hand wins the entire pot without any contention for a high hand. This game includes various elements that add complexity. Texas Holdem .
Players really need to refine their betting declarations. Making a declaration but failing to meet it can be costly. You might find yourself betting with little insight, unless you emulate Daniel's reads and secure plenty of pots. Omaha A delightful ‘tropical twist’ on classic Texas Hold’em has gained popularity among many players. In Pineapple , each participant is dealt three cards and must discard one before the initial betting round begins. The betting proceeds in a manner akin to traditional Texas Hold'em.
In Crazy Pineapple , players hold onto all three cards until after the flop, with standard Hold’em rules applying thereafter. Lazy Pineapple allows players to retain their three cards and only discard one following the river and final betting round.
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What’s the intriguing aspect? The addition of an extra card to discard introduces a thrilling twist, and it often leads to players inadvertently discarding the wrong card.
Though you may have retained that strong pair, the card you tossed away might have completed a powerful hand for someone else.
This is enough to drive you a little mad, but it's undeniably an enjoyable time—and perhaps pairing it with a refreshing frozen drink could elevate the experience.
#3 – Criss Cross, Fiery Cross, or Iron Cross
Seven Card Stud
In this game, five cards are arranged in a cross layout on the poker table.
This game can build anticipation. Each participant receives four cards while five cards are dealt face down in a cross shape at the center of the table. After a betting round, one of the outside cards is flipped up, and betting resumes, continuing until only the center card remains face down.
The last card in the center is revealed, followed by a closing round of betting. Players can combine two, three, or four of their own cards with either the vertical or horizontal cards from the board.
home game suckouts are definitely on the menu.
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