Beginner’s Guide to the Most Popular Poker Games You Can Play Online

Online poker is one of the most accessible and exciting ways to enjoy the game from home, a cafe, or anywhere with a stable connection. Whether you’re looking to casually play with friends or eventually enter big tournaments, understanding the different types of poker available online is the first step.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular variants of online poker. We’ll keep things simple and beginner-friendly, with the most detail on Texas Hold’em and Omaha, since those are by far the most commonly played games.

Texas Hold’em (The Most Popular Poker Game Online)

Texas Hold’em is the game most people picture when they think of poker. It’s the most widely played game in online poker rooms, and for good reason — it’s easy to learn, fast-paced, and offers plenty of strategic depth.

In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two private cards, called hole cards. Then, five community cards are placed face-up on the table in stages: three cards on the flop, one card on the turn, and one final card on the river. Players make the best five-card hand they can using any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards. There are four betting rounds throughout the hand, giving players several opportunities to bet, fold, or raise.

Why is Texas Hold’em so beginner-friendly?

• Simple rules and structure.
• Widely available at all stakes.
• Tons of tutorials, play money tables, and low-risk options.

You’ll also find several formats of Hold’em online:

• Cash Games: Join or leave at any time; chips represent real money.
• Sit & Go Tournaments: Single-table tournaments that begin when the table fills.
• Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs): Scheduled events with big prize pools.

If you’re just starting out, Texas Hold’em is the best game to build a solid foundation. You can find the gaming option at any of the best online poker sites within the U.S.

Omaha (The Second-Most Popular Online Variant)

Omaha looks similar to Texas Hold’em but plays differently enough to require a fresh strategy. In Omaha, each player gets four hole cards instead of two, and you must use exactly two of them, combined with exactly three community cards, to make your final hand. This forces players to be more selective and consider more combinations. It’s a hard rule that often trips up Hold’em players transitioning into Omaha, so be mindful of it.

There are two main versions of Omaha:

• Omaha Hi: The highest hand wins the entire pot.
• Omaha Hi-Lo (Eight or Better): The pot is split between the best high and best qualifying low hand.

Key things to keep in mind as a beginner:

• Don’t overvalue hands that would be strong in Hold’em — they often aren’t in Omaha. For example, a hand like top pair with a strong kicker (e.g., A-K on an A-high board) might win in Hold’em, but in Omaha, it’s usually not enough.
• With more cards in play, strong hands are more common, and draws are more dynamic.
• Start with Omaha Hi before trying Hi-Lo, which adds extra complexity.

Most major poker sites have dedicated Omaha tables, making it easy to try both variants when you’re ready.

Other Poker Games You Can Play Online

While Texas Hold’em and Omaha dominate online traffic, there are other formats worth exploring if you want variety.

• Seven Card Stud: A classic variant where there are no community cards. Each player receives a mix of face-up and face-down cards over several betting rounds and uses their own seven cards to form the best five-card hand. It requires more memory and attention to visible cards.
• Five Card Draw: A simple variant where players receive five private cards and can discard and replace as many as they like after the first betting round. It’s fast, easy to understand, and great for bluffing practice.
• Razz: In Razz, the objective is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Straights and flushes don’t count against you, and aces are low. The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A (known as a “wheel”). It’s quirky but very rewarding if you enjoy a challenge.
• Mixed Games (HORSE): These games rotate through different formats: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Eight or Better. These are great for advanced players who want variety and a broader test of skill.
• Short Deck Hold’em (6+ Hold’em): This variation uses a reduced 36-card deck with the twos through fives removed. This changes hand rankings slightly — for example, a flush beats a full house, and the lowest straight is A-6-7-8-9.

How to Pick the Right Game for You

If you’re new to poker, start simple. Texas Hold’em is the best introduction thanks to its balance of strategy and simplicity. Once you’re comfortable, Omaha is a natural progression with more complexity.

Beyond that, your choice depends on your preferences. Some players love the faster pace of Short Deck or the strategic challenge of mixed games. Others prefer to master one format. The important thing is to start small:

• Use play money or low-stakes tables.
• Focus on learning rather than winning.
• Try different formats to find what’s fun for you.

Where to Play Online

When choosing a poker site, it’s worth looking at several features:

• Reputation: Stick to well-known and established platforms like CoinPoker, ACR Poker, Ignition Poker, and Black Chip Poker. 
• Beginner Support: Look for tutorials, freerolls, and beginner-only tables.
• Game Variety: Make sure your preferred variants are offered.
• Mobile Compatibility: A smooth mobile app lets you play anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Poker combines skill, patience, and decision-making — and online poker makes it more accessible than ever. Start with Texas Hold’em, experiment with Omaha, and branch out into other games as your comfort and curiosity grow. Every variant offers something unique. Take your time, play consistently, and don’t hesitate to explore. We’ll be publishing deeper guides on each format soon, with advanced tips and strategies to help you level up.

For now, dive in and enjoy the game.