Rules of Play for the Other Poker Types

Poker has grown to become one of the most popular games in the world, thanks to the advancement of technology which has transformed the card game into a spectator sport which has only furthered the people's growing interest for poker.

This growing interest has led not a few 'spectators' to learn and play the card game themselves. Unfortunately though, most who enter the world of poker confine themselves to one type of the game or another, depending on which type of poker was introduced to them.

For most of those who got into poker, it is Hold 'em which introduced them to the game and because of this, more and more are confining themselves with this type which is rather unfortunate as poker has many variations which can enrich the playing experience and skills of players.

To encourage players to try out other variations, here are two of the more played types other than Hold 'em and their respective rules.

Seven-Card Stud

In seven-card stud, the rule says that three cards will be dealt to each player, with two of the cards dealt face down and one face up. The one with the highest or the lowest card value will start the game, depending on the pre-determined betting rules. In the case of a tie with the value, the suit of the tied card will be taken into consideration.

A fourth card will be dealt face up after the first round of betting finishes. The one with the highest or lowest hand on board will then start the next round of betting, depending which value started the previous round. That is, if the lowest one started it previously then the highest one will do so the next round and vice-versa.

A fifth and sixth card will dealt face up anew after rounds of betting with the game ending with the final showdown which will determine who will pocket the pot.

Razz

The rules for razz are quite different from other poker types with the fact that its best hand is the combination of an ace, a two, a three, a four, and a five. Straights and flushes are essentially ignored as the suits are inconsequential.

Three cards are dealt to each player, with two face down and one face up. Like most poker rules, a series of cards are then dealt after, with each deal preceded by a round of betting. After the seventh and final card has been dealt facedown and the final round of betting, the showdown commences with the best low hand winning the pot.

Sure, the more popular poker types such as Hold 'em really are fun to play which explains their large following among players but it will be unfortunate for them and for the growth of the card game if they will not go out of their comfort zones and try other variations of it. This is why knowing many rules regarding the different variations is important as it can encourage players to try out other games and in the process enrich poker as a whole.