Card games have been popular for more than a century, and here are some lesser spotted rule variants you might not know about.
In addition to keeping an eye on the rule specifics, card sharks are always hunting for nice no deposit bonuses which allow the chance of winning real cash without any risk of losing one’s own money. Regardless of the game rules, no deposit bonuses are the safest and wisest way to play.
Omaha Hi-Lo
The world’s most popular poker variant is Texas Hold’em, and Omaha Hi is a very similar game, only with four hole cards rather than two (which naturally means that players tend to have much better hands). But Omaha Hi-Lo takes this a step further with an interesting twist, with the pot divided between the highest and lowest five card poker hands. But, all five cards in the ‘lo’ hand must be ranked 8 or lower. Note that straights and flushes do not count against the lower hand. This game is quite a bit less popular and more complex than Texas Hold’em, but if you like things a little more complicated it could be right up your street.
There are many great poker tips that apply to most variants, but be aware that specific playstyles should be changed according to the type of game you’re playing. The optimal way of playing Omaha Hi-Lo is not the same as that of Texas Hold’em.
Blackjack Rule Variations
Although not endowed with the plethora of rule sets to the extent of poker, blackjack still has some varying rules. For example, a single deck game is likelier to result in a player finishing ahead than one with many decks in play.
Typically, blackjack pays out at 3 to 2, and this means it’s important to know whether you can double down after splitting aces to maximize your chances of enjoying a big win. And being able to split multiple times is another handy rule in the player’s favour with some game types.
As mentioned, blackjack normally pays out 3 to 2, but keep your eyes peeled as some casinos will pay out at lower rates if they think they can get away with it.
These little margins all add up, and if you dream of winning millions at blackjack like Don Johnson then try and get them all to line up in your favour.
Seven Card Stud
Omaha Hi-Lo sees less bluffing as more players stick around hoping for the best (or lowest) hands. However, a variant with a lot more bluffing is Seven Card Stud, once the most popular type of poker and now very much in the second division. Unlike Texas and Omaha, which feature communal cards face up for everyone to use if they wish, Seven Card Stud has purely individual hands. Some may be face up, but every card belongs to one player and one player alone. It’s, ironically, a good game for learning poker but also complicated when it comes to trying to work out your chances of finishing on top because, unlike Texas Hold’em, you have far less information when it comes to working out hands.
The rise of online casinos has been particularly good for players into less common variants, as it’s made such games much easier to find. And nothing’s added more to betting convenience than mobile casinos that players can access when on the go.
Poker has a plethora of different games, and there’s a variety of blackjack rules too. Always read the fine print before betting, and best of luck to you.