One of the most popular variants of poker, Texas Hold’em
dates back to the early 1900s. Back then, it was called ‘holdem’; the game is
said to have been invented in the Robstown of Texas, USA. It took quite some
time before the game crossed borders and reached the Sin City-Las Vegas.
It wasn’t an easy journey at all. It took a few failures and
a whole lot of determination to give Texas Hold’em its deserving place on the
tables. It was the first WSOP tournament that was organized by father and son
duo, Benny and Jack Binion, in 1970 that included Texas Hold’em rules in a
series of cash games. This was a path-breaking moment for Texas Hold’em poker.
Ever since then, there has been no looking back for this
widely popular variant of poker.
Well, not just the WSOP contributed towards the popularity
of Texas Hold’em, celebrated players at the WSOP including Doyle Brunson, and
Al Alvarez also took upon themselves to let the world know about the charisma
of Texas Hold’em.
Super System authored
by Doyle Brunson was published in 1978 and acted as another turning point in
the history of poker. Later, Alvarez wrote a book The Biggest Game in
Town which served as a documentary account of 1981’s WSOP. These poker
literature brought forth Texas holdem to a wider audience.
It must be noted that Texas Holdem evolved the
entire game of poker. So, whether it is casino or online poker rooms, holdem is
the most widely played poker variation.
However, ever since its inception, Texas holdem
has kept reinventing itself for better. The new variations of Texas Hold’em are
played in the similar manner with a few changes here and there.
Here’s a list of few variations to the original game.
Pineapple- 3 hole cards are dealt to the players.
One of the hole cards is discarded after the first betting round.
Crazy Pineapple- Also, 3 hole cards are dealt,
but one of the hole cards is discarded after the flop.
Aviation- Originated in the famous Aviation Club
in Paris. In this variation, 4 hole cards are dealt- one of which is discarded
before the flop, and another after the flop.
Speed Holdem- 4 hole cards are dealt, however 2
are discarded right away. 5 community cards are then flopped. This is followed
by only 1 betting round, and then a final showdown.
Super Eight- As the name suggests, players can
make the best five card poker hands
using the 3 hole cards they are dealt, and the 5 community cards. No hole card
is discarded.
Tahoe- It is very similar to Super Eight. The
only exception is that the player can use only two of the 3 hole cards to make
the best five card.
The list does not end here though. Texas Hold’em
is a popular way poker is played, and poker enthusiasts will continue to add
twists to make it more interesting than it already is.
For More Information - How and where can you learn Texas Hold’em