To the uninitiated, the word “poker” means one type of card game, with a clear set of rules and regulations. Poker insiders know better. Poker is a catch-all term that can mean one of any number of card games. The common theme running through all kinds of poker variations is players making bets on their ability to meet that particular game’s objectives. Every poker player has a favorite game, and every poker player has a list of games they think they are good at, and another list of games that makes them hang on to their wallets a little tighter.

By far, the most common and popular poker game is Texas Hold’em. This game involved two cards being dealt to players, with three cards, called “the flop” being placed in the center for all players to use to build their hands. The beauty of Texas Hold’em is that is as good for beginners as it is for advanced players. If you’re a fan of TV poker tournaments, chances are that the players you are watching are playing Texas Hold’em. In fact, Texas Hold’em has become so popular in tournament play that fans are complaining, and now, tournament organizers are demanding that their players branch out a little bit and experiment with new games.

Omaha is another extremely popular version of poker. It is very similar to Texas Hold’em, except players get four cards to start with, and four cards go in the middle. Players must come up with a winning hand using two of their own cards and three from the center. Omaha is an online poker favorite and is becoming a casino standard.

Other popular poker types include Seven Card Stud, Razz, Crazy Pineapple Poker, and Five Card Draw. These games are available in varying degrees in casinos but can all be found on online poker sites, as well as in private, live games.

With all of these poker choices available, how is a player to choose? Personal preference is at the top of the list, of course. Go for the game you and your fellow players genuinely enjoy the most. Also, consider your skill level. Some games are great for beginners, while others require you to be a little faster on your feet. When you’re playing for money, never wade into a game that is outside of your skill comfort level.

In most poker games, only one type of poker is player, or the dealer gets to change the hand as they choose, but if you really want to try out several new games, consider playing rotation poker. In rotation poker, the players decide in advance which games will be played, and then the game changes at set intervals. Rotation poker is a great way to dip your toes into new games with a minimum of risk. Additionally, rotation poker lets you plan to play tighter on the games you consider your weak games and the get a little looser on your favorite games, since you know what is coming.

Poker games are constantly going in and out of style; so if your favorite game is nowhere to be found right now don’t worry. As tastes change, your game is bound to come into a favor again. Remember, fashion is no reason to let your favorite poker game fall by the wayside. Keep the game alive by hosting poker nights in your home, and by playing the game online. You never know, you might even convert a few players over to your favorite game and you’ll have an even wider pool of players to choose from next time!