Other Lesser-Known Poker Variants: Unique Twists on a Classic Game

When people hear the word “poker,” they immediately think of Texas Hold’em or maybe Omaha. But the poker world is far more diverse, with many lesser-known variants that bring unique rules, strategies, and excitement to the table. These games are popular in home games, mixed formats, and niche poker communities, offering fresh challenges to players looking to expand their horizons.🃏✨

1. Pineapple & Crazy Pineapple 🍍

Overview

Pineapple is like Texas Hold’em but with a fun twist: each player is dealt three hole cards instead of two.

Rules

• Players get three cards preflop.

• After the flop betting round:

  • Pineapple: Players discard one hole card before the turn.

  • Crazy Pineapple: Players keep all three until after the flop and discard one card before the turn.

Why It’s Unique

• Extra card = more starting hand combinations, leading to bigger pots.
• Strategic discard decisions add an additional layer of skill.

Where You’ll See It

• Popular in home games and occasionally online, but rarely featured in major tournaments.

2. Chinese Poker & Open-Face Chinese (OFC) 🇨🇳

Overview

Unlike most poker variants, Chinese Poker focuses more on hand arrangement than betting. Each player gets 13 cards and must split them into three hands:

• Front Hand (3 cards) – weakest
• Middle Hand (5 cards) – medium strength
• Back Hand (5 cards) – strongest

Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFC)

• Players receive five cards to start, then draw one card at a time until they have 13 cards arranged.
• Mistakes in placement (like making the front hand stronger than the middle) result in a foul and automatic loss.

Why It’s Unique

• No bluffing—success relies on mathematical hand-setting and strategic card placement.
• Fantasyland Bonus: A special reward if your front hand is strong (e.g., QQ or better), letting you receive all 13 cards at once in the next round.

Where You’ll See It

• Very popular in Asia and among pros during downtime.
• Often played online and in private settings, not usually in casinos.

3. Badugi 🐉

Overview

Badugi is a draw poker variant with Korean origins. It uses a lowball format and unique hand rankings.

Rules

• Players receive four hole cards.
• Goal: Make the lowest hand with four cards of different suits and ranks.
• Players can draw cards up to three times (like Five-Card Draw).

Hand Rankings

• Best Hand: A-2-3-4 (all different suits).
• Duplicates Hurt: If you have two cards of the same suit or rank, one doesn’t count toward your Badugi.

Why It’s Unique

• Combines lowball principles with suit diversity requirements.
• Bluffing and drawing strategies are very different from standard poker.

Where You’ll See It

• Featured in mixed games like 8-Game or Dealer’s Choice.
• Online poker platforms have regular Badugi tables.

4. 2-7 Triple Draw (Deuce-to-Seven Lowball) 🔻

Overview

This game flips traditional rankings—the worst hand wins. Straights and flushes count against you, and Aces are high.

Rules

• Players get five cards and can draw three times to improve their hand.
• Goal Hand: 7-5-4-3-2 (of at least two suits).

Why It’s Unique

• Forces players to rethink hand strength entirely.
• Emphasizes positional play and reading opponents’ draw behavior.

Where You’ll See It

• Popular in high-stakes mixed games.
• A WSOP bracelet event since 2004.

5. Five-Card Stud (Classic Variant) 🏆

Overview

Before Texas Hold’em became king, Five-Card Stud was one of the most played poker games.

Rules

• Players receive one hole card and four face-up cards (with betting rounds after each).
• Best five-card hand wins, using traditional poker rankings.

Why It’s Unique

• Fewer cards revealed early, so reading opponents is easier yet crucial.
• Bluffing potential is high because players often start with weak hands.

Where You’ll See It

• Rarely played today except in nostalgic home games and mixed events.

6. Courchevel 🇫🇷

Overview

A wild twist on Omaha Hi-Lo. Players are dealt five hole cards, but one flop card is revealed before preflop betting begins.

Rules

• Players use exactly two hole cards and three board cards (like Omaha).
• Early flop knowledge creates unusual betting dynamics.

Why It’s Unique

• The pre-flop revealed card changes starting hand strategy.
• High variance: huge pots and unpredictable swings.

Where You’ll See It

• Popular online and occasionally in European poker rooms.

7. Razzdugi & Other “Mash-up” Games 🤯

Overview

Poker players love experimenting, leading to mash-up variants:

• Razzdugi: Combines Razz (low hand stud) with Badugi hand rankings.
• Double-Flop Hold’em: Two boards run simultaneously, and the pot is split between them.
• Six-Plus Hold’em (Short Deck): Played with 36 cards (2s, 3s, 4s, 5s removed), changing hand values (e.g., flushes beat full houses).

Why They’re Unique

• Forces players out of comfort zones.
• Often used in high-stakes mixed-game rotations and televised cash games.

8. Strip Poker 😅

Overview

While not a casino or tournament game, Strip Poker is one of the most famous “casual variants” played for fun rather than money.

• Typically played using Five-Card Draw or Texas Hold’em rules.
• Instead of betting chips, players remove an article of clothing after losing a hand.

Where You’ll See It

• Parties and private games rather than casinos or serious poker rooms.

Why Try These Lesser-Known Variants?

1. Break the Routine: If you’re tired of playing Texas Hold’em, these games provide a refreshing challenge.
2. Skill Expansion: They develop different poker skills—hand reading, bluffing, and adaptability.
3. Mixed-Game Mastery: High-stakes professionals often play mixed formats, and knowing these variants gives you an edge.
4. Fun & Social Factor: Many of these games are perfect for casual home games and party nights.

Poker is far more than just Texas Hold’em and Omaha. From Pineapple’s extra hole card strategy to Badugi’s unique hand rankings and Open-Face Chinese’s no-bluff structure, there’s a variant for every kind of player. Whether you’re looking for a mental challenge, a social experience, or a way to improve your overall poker skills, exploring these lesser-known poker variants will expand your horizons and make you a more versatile player.