Texas Holdem And Its Variations

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