Popular Poker Games Around the World

Poker is one of the most famous card games in the world, and its popularity continues to grow. Many countries have developed their own poker styles, rules, and traditions. While Texas Hold’em is the most popular version today, several exciting poker games are played in casinos, homes, online platforms, and tournaments across the globe. This guide explores the most popular poker games and what makes each one unique.

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the most widely played poker game worldwide. It dominates major tournaments, online platforms, and home games.

How It Works:

• Each player gets two hole cards.

• Five community cards are dealt on the table.

• Players make the best five-card hand using any combination of their cards and the board.

Why It’s Popular:

• Simple rules for beginners

• Deep strategy for advanced players

• Featured in the World Series of Poker (WSOP)

• Fast-paced and exciting

Hold’em is the go-to game for most poker players around the world.

Omaha Poker

Omaha is another popular community-card poker game, especially in Europe and online rooms.

How It Works:

• Players get four hole cards instead of two.

• They must use exactly two of those cards with three community cards.

Why It’s Popular:

• Bigger pots

• More action

• Stronger hands more common

Variants like Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) attract experienced players who enjoy complex decisions.

Seven-Card Stud

Before Texas Hold’em became dominant, Seven-Card Stud was the most common poker game in the United States.

How It Works:

• Players get seven cards, some face-up and some face-down.

• There are no community cards.

• The best five-card hand wins.

Why It’s Popular:

• Focuses on memory and observation

• Ideal for smaller groups

• Still played in some tournaments and home games

Stud remains popular among traditional poker fans.

Five-Card Draw

This is the classic poker game many people learned first, often played at home or in movies.

How It Works:

• Each player receives five cards.

• Players can discard and draw new cards.

• A final betting round decides the winner.

Why It’s Popular:

• Easy to learn

• Pure bluffing game

• Great for casual players

Five-Card Draw is still common in private games and online rooms.

Short Deck (6+ Hold’em)

Short Deck is a newer poker variant that has grown quickly in Asia and high-stakes games.

How It Works:

• Played like Texas Hold’em but with cards below six removed.

• This increases the chances of strong hands.

Why It’s Popular:

• Fast-paced

• More action and big pots

• Popular among pros and high-stakes players

Short Deck is now featured in major events around the world.

Caribbean Stud Poker

Common in casinos across the Caribbean, U.S., and Europe, this game is played against the dealer, not against other players.

How It Works:

• Each player gets five cards.

• They compete directly against the house.

• No bluffing or complex strategy required.

Why It’s Popular:

• Simple rules

• Great for beginners

• Fun casino atmosphere

This game blends poker basics with casino-style action.

Three Card Poker

Three Card Poker is another popular casino poker game that is fast, simple, and entertaining.

How It Works:

• Players get three cards.

• They compete against the dealer.

• Bonus payouts apply for certain strong hands.

Why It’s Popular:

• Quick rounds

• Easy learning curve

• Available in most casinos worldwide

It’s a favorite for players seeking simple and fast poker action.

Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is especially popular in the United States and Asia.

How It Works:

• Played with a 53-card deck (including a joker).

• Each player makes two hands:

  • One five-card hand

  • One two-card hand

• Both must beat the dealer’s hands to win.

Why It’s Popular:

• Slow-paced and relaxing

• Low risk

• Longer playtime for your money

Pai Gow combines casino fun with unique strategy.

Badugi

Badugi is a Korean poker game that has gained popularity in mixed-game formats.

How It Works:

• Players aim for the lowest four-card hand with one card of each suit.

• It uses draw mechanics similar to Five-Card Draw.

Why It’s Popular:

• Very different from other poker games

• Fun and strategic

• A favorite in mixed-game events

Badugi is refreshing for players seeking something unique.

Conclusion

Poker is played in countless forms around the world, each offering different levels of excitement, strategy, and challenge. From the global dominance of Texas Hold’em to the fast action of Short Deck and the classic feel of Five-Card Draw, every poker variant offers something special.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, exploring different poker games can help you grow your skills and enjoy the game even more.