Poker Strategy: Poker Rules

The rules of the road. Learn how to play various forms of poker.

Before getting into intricate strategies and advanced maneuvers, you ought to really have a complete mastery of the rules that govern gameplay. Each form of poker has its own particular wrinkles that have can really trip you up if you’re unfamiliar with them. Don’t be that person who tries to make a nut flush with the lone Ace of suit in Omaha or the one who forgets that there’s a third draw coming in Badugi. The articles in this area of FTR go into considerable detail about the betting action, game structure, and other particulars of all the common varieties of poker that are spread today. Rather than going through an extensive (and expensive) learning process at the tables, arm yourself in advance with the accurate information that we have compiled. That way, you won’t be a sucker when you sit down to play a new game.




Razz Rules

Razz Rules

Razz is a form of poker very similar to 7 Card Stud. The difference is that you're playing for low instead of high. A "wheel" consists of A2345 and is the best possible hand. Straights and flushes don't count against your low hand here.
Razz Rules

7 Card Stud Hi/Lo Rules

7 Card Stud Hi/Lo is an exciting variant on normal 7 Card Stud play. In this split-pot format, players can win the high half of the pot, the low half of the pot or scoop the entire pot. Beware of getting quartered though! It can be costly.
Razz Rules

How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker

If you've watched televised poker tournaments, the players were probably playing No Limit Texas Hold'em. With two blinds to get the action started and four rounds of betting, there's plenty of action to be found. All-in confrontations are somewhat common especially in tournaments.
Razz Rules

Crazy Pineapple Rules

Crazy Pineapple is just like Texas Hold'em, but it has a fun twist! There are three hole cards, and after the flop, you choose and discard one. Due to the extra card, hands tend to be stronger than they would be in a normal Texas Hold'em game.
Breaking Down the Non-Hold’em Games Part 1

2-7 Lowball Rules

2-7 Lowball is a favorite among some of the most well-known poker professionals. Playing for low offers a refreshing change from standard high-hand poker. But before you can play, you must understand the rules and how to read your hand.
Razz Rules

Omaha Hi/Lo Rules

Omaha Hi/Lo is a form of Omaha poker that, unlike regular Omaha, is usually played in limit rather than pot limit format. You'll be trying to make hands for both high and low in this format. With any luck, you'll scoop both parts of the pot!
Texas Hold em Poker Hands Order

No Limit Texas Hold’em Rules

a guide to the rules of No-Limit Texas Hold'em, covering the game's structure, betting rounds, and special scenarios like "going all-in" and "side pots," while also highlighting key differences between online and live poker
Razz Rules

HORSE Rules

In HORSE, players must play 5 different poker games: Hold'em, Omaha/8, Razz, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud/8. All games are in limit betting format, and each game is played for eight hands before the next game in the rotation begins.
5 Card Stud Rules

5 Card Stud Rules

5 Card Stud has long been popular in home games although it's difficult to find online. While there are similarities between this game and 7 Card Stud, there are fewer cards dealt. One similarity between 5 Card Stud and Texas Hold'em is that there are four rounds of betting.
Razz Rules

Badugi Rules

Badugi is a weird, yet addictive, type of poker. You get four cards, and you have to try to make the lowest possible hand without repeating ranks or suits. There are three draws, so you have ample opportunity to get rid of cards you don't like.
Razz Rules

Texas Holdem Rules

Before playing any type of poker, you need to know the rules of the game. Texas Hold'em is the most popular type of poker, so you should learn its rules first. There are four rounds of betting and three common betting structures that you need to be aware of.
Razz Rules

7 Card Stud Rules

7 Card Stud was "the" game before Texas Hold'em became popular. Though it has been surpassed in popularity, there are still many players who enjoy 7 Card Stud. With neither community cards nor flops, the dynamics of the game are very different from what you may be used to.
Razz Rules

5 Card Draw Rules

5 Card Draw is a game that's familiar to many poker players through fondly remembered games around the kitchen table. With only two betting rounds and the possibility of replacing cards you don't like, the game is completely different from Texas Hold'em.