Poker is a skill-based card game that has captivated millions around the world. Whether you’re playing a casual poker game with friends or competing in high-stakes poker tournaments, choosing the right variant can significantly impact your chances of winning. But with so many options—Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and more—which one gives you the best edge?
Let’s break down the most popular poker variants and see which ones offer the highest chances of winning, especially if you’re serious about building skill and increasing your bankroll.
1. Texas Hold’em – The Most Popular and Accessible
Texas Hold’em is the most widely played poker game in the world, and it’s the centerpiece of most poker tournaments. It’s the variant you’ll see in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), online platforms, and even home games.
Why You Can Win:
- Abundant resources: Because it’s so popular, there’s a wealth of training material, videos, books, and forums dedicated to Texas Hold’em.
- Player diversity: The game attracts a wide range of skill levels. This means as a trained or disciplined player, you can often beat casual or unskilled opponents.
- Strategic depth: Bluffing, position play, and betting strategies all play a huge role.
Downsides:
- High competition at the top levels.
- You need to master multiple concepts to win consistently.
Best for: Beginners and intermediate players looking to scale up in poker tournaments.
2. Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) – High Risk, High Reward
Pot-Limit Omaha is the second most popular poker game after Texas Hold’em. It uses similar rules, but players get four hole cards instead of two, and must use exactly two of them with three community cards.
Why You Can Win:
- Big pots: PLO offers larger pot sizes, which means higher potential winnings.
- Less studied: Fewer players master Omaha compared to Hold’em, so there’s an edge for serious learners.
- Skill reward: Strong players who can handle variance and probability math can do well.
Downsides:
- High variance: With more cards and draws, luck plays a slightly bigger role in short sessions.
- Misplays are common: Even experienced Hold’em players make critical errors when switching to PLO.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who understand hand equity and variance.
3. Seven-Card Stud – A Forgotten Goldmine
Before Texas Hold’em exploded in popularity, in the real money poker apps realm Seven-Card Stud was the king of poker. Though it’s not as common now, many online platforms and casinos still offer it.
Why You Can Win:
- Fewer players know it: Since it’s less popular, many opponents are unfamiliar with the strategy.
- Open cards: Since several cards are face-up, you get more information about opponents’ potential hands.
Downsides:
- Slower pace: The game is a bit slower than Hold’em or PLO.
- Less availability: Fewer online poker tournaments are held for this variant.
Best for: Players who love strategy and memory-based games, and want to exploit lesser-known variants.
4. Short Deck Hold’em – Fast and Fun
Also known as Six-Plus Hold’em, Short Deck is a newer variant where cards below six are removed, changing hand rankings and odds.
Why You Can Win:
- High action: With fewer cards, stronger hands happen more frequently, which means bigger pots.
- Easier to learn: Simpler hand combinations and faster gameplay attract new players.
Downsides:
- Variance-heavy: It’s easy to get drawn out on due to frequent flushes and straights.
- Strategy is evolving: Fewer solid strategies are established compared to Texas Hold’em.
Best for: Adventurous players who enjoy high variance and quick decision-making.
5. Five-Card Draw – Simple Yet Profitable
This is one of the earliest poker games, often played at home but available online as well. Players are dealt five cards and can discard some to draw new ones.
Why You Can Win:
- Simplicity: Easy to learn and great for beginners.
- Weak fields: Many casual players play this variant without deep strategy.
- Bluff-friendly: Limited information means bluffing can be effective.
Downsides:
- Low availability: Rarely played in big poker tournaments.
- Limited skill ceiling: Simpler game means fewer opportunities to outplay opponents.
Best for: Beginners or casual players looking to ease into poker.
6. Razz – Lowest Hand Wins!
Razz is a unique poker variant where the goal is to make the lowest hand possible. Straights and flushes don’t count against you, and aces are always low.
Why You Can Win:
- Most players don’t understand it: It’s a niche variant, which gives you an edge if you learn it well.
- Skill-based: Requires tracking visible cards and betting intelligently.
Downsides:
- Confusing hand values for new players.
- Niche appeal and limited tournaments.
Best for: Advanced players who enjoy mental challenges and memory-based strategy.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to make money, climb the ranks, and even enter professional poker tournaments, Texas Hold’em is still your best bet. It’s the most studied, most played, and has the largest community. But that also means the competition is stiff.
For those looking to find a hidden edge or avoid shark-infested waters, diving into Pot-Limit Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, or even Razz could be a smart move. Each variant has its own flavor, strategy, and player pool—and mastering the nuances of one can give you a serious advantage.
At the end of the day, the best poker game for you is the one you enjoy, study, and feel confident playing. Poker rewards patience, skill, and adaptation. Choose your variant wisely, and the wins will follow.
