Texas Hold’em is undoubtedly the most popular form of poker, but for many players, exploring other poker variants offers a fresh and exciting challenge. Whether you’re looking for something that offers a change of pace or a deeper strategic experience, there are plenty of alternatives available. From Omaha to Seven Card Stud and beyond, UK poker sites offer a wide variety of poker games to suit all tastes. In this article, we’ll explore the best poker sites uk where you can find a diverse range of poker variants beyond Hold’em.
1. PokerStars: A Diverse Poker Playground
Overview: PokerStars is known as one of the most comprehensive online poker platforms, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to offering a broad selection of poker variants. While Texas Hold’em remains the most popular game on the site, PokerStars offers a variety of alternatives for players looking to try something different.
Poker Variants Offered:
- Omaha: PokerStars provides both Omaha and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), which are among the most popular alternatives to Texas Hold’em. In Omaha, each player is dealt four cards, and they must use exactly two of them in combination with three community cards to make the best possible hand.
- Seven Card Stud: This classic game is a favorite for players who enjoy more traditional forms of poker. Players receive seven cards, three face-down and four face-up, and use their cards to form the best hand.
- Razz: A lowball version of Seven Card Stud, Razz is a popular variant where the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand.
- HORSE: For the true poker connoisseur, PokerStars also offers HORSE (Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight-or-Better), a mixed game format that rotates through five different poker variants, requiring players to master several skills and strategies.
Best For: Players looking for variety and those who want to experience a wide range of poker games, all on one platform.
2. 888poker: Exciting Variety and Casual Play
Overview: 888poker is one of the most accessible poker platforms for players of all skill levels, offering a mix of fun and casual poker with a focus on a variety of game types. While its main focus remains on Texas Hold’em, 888poker provides a solid selection of poker variants that cater to players looking for something different.
Poker Variants Offered:
- Omaha: Like PokerStars, 888poker offers Omaha in both Pot-Limit and Fixed-Limit formats. The site also has a range of stakes, so players can jump into games that suit their bankrolls.
- Seven Card Stud: 888poker also supports Seven Card Stud, offering an exciting change of pace for players who enjoy a more strategic and hands-on poker experience.
- Five Card Draw: A great game for players who enjoy a traditional, low-stakes version of poker, Five Card Draw remains a popular variant on 888poker.
- Blast Poker: While not a traditional poker variant, Blast Poker is a fast-paced, turbo Sit & Go format with a random prize pool that can be worth up to 10,000 times the buy-in. This adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the usual tournament structure.
Best For: Casual players who want a variety of poker games with low-stakes options and a fun, social environment.
3. Partypoker: Diverse Options and Progressive Features
Overview: Partypoker is known for its high-quality poker experience, and it has consistently expanded its game offering to cater to players who want to explore more than just Texas Hold’em. The site offers an array of exciting alternatives, from Omaha to Stud games, along with innovative tournament formats.
Poker Variants Offered:
- Omaha: Partypoker is a great place for Omaha lovers, with Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and Omaha Hi/Lo available for players who enjoy the game’s intricate dynamics and multiple-card play.
- Seven Card Stud: Partypoker also offers the classic Seven Card Stud for players who prefer a more traditional form of poker. The action in Seven Card Stud is slower and more deliberate, making it a great option for players who enjoy a more strategic approach to the game.
- Five Card Draw: For a more relaxed and classic experience, Five Card Draw is available for players who prefer a no-limit form of poker.
- Short Deck Hold’em: Partypoker is one of the sites that features Short Deck Hold’em, a version of Texas Hold’em played with a 36-card deck (removing cards 2 through 5). This variant adds a unique twist to the standard game, making it more exciting and dynamic.
Best For: Players who want a wide selection of poker variants and enjoy the excitement of new and creative formats.
4. Betfair Poker: Traditional and Modern Variants
Overview: Betfair Poker is a solid platform for both traditional and modern poker variants. While Texas Hold’em remains the primary focus, Betfair has expanded its offering to include a mix of classic and innovative games, giving players plenty of options to diversify their poker experience.
Poker Variants Offered:
- Omaha: Betfair Poker offers Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), with players able to enjoy the game in both cash game and tournament formats. PLO offers a deeper, more complex strategy compared to Hold’em, making it an attractive alternative for experienced players.
- Seven Card Stud: For those who want to step back in time and experience a more old-school approach to poker, Betfair Poker offers Seven Card Stud, providing a slower-paced, more strategic game.
- Five Card Draw: As a classic game, Five Card Draw has a nostalgic appeal for many poker enthusiasts. Betfair Poker offers this traditional variant alongside the more modern forms of poker.
- Spin & Go: Although this is more of a unique tournament format than a game variant, Spin & Go tournaments on Betfair Poker offer players the chance to compete in fast-paced, winner-takes-all tournaments with a random prize pool.
Best For: Players looking for a mix of traditional poker and new, exciting tournament formats on a single platform.
5. Unibet Poker: Casual Poker with Unique Formats
Overview: Unibet Poker is a site that caters to both beginners and seasoned poker players, and it’s known for its emphasis on fun, casual poker. While Texas Hold’em is dominant, Unibet also offers several alternative variants that can add excitement and variety to your poker sessions.
Poker Variants Offered:
- Omaha: Unibet offers Omaha in both Pot-Limit and No-Limit formats. The site provides an easy and enjoyable way to jump into the game without feeling overwhelmed, making it accessible for both newcomers and experienced players.
- Five Card Draw: Five Card Draw is one of the most popular classic poker variants, and Unibet offers this simple and straightforward game for those who enjoy a slower-paced game.
- Stud Poker: Unibet offers Stud Poker, a variant that’s gaining popularity among players who want to move away from the fast action of Hold’em or Omaha. Stud Poker requires more careful observation of opponents and strategic play.
- Twister Poker: While not a traditional variant, Twister Poker is a fast-paced, winner-takes-all game format with a random prize pool. It’s an exciting way to compete for large rewards with a relatively small buy-in.
Best For: Players who enjoy casual poker with a variety of classic and fun formats.
Conclusion
Exploring poker variants beyond Texas Hold’em can significantly enhance your overall poker experience, adding new challenges, strategies, and excitement. The best UK poker sites, including PokerStars, 888poker, Partypoker, Betfair Poker, and Unibet Poker, all offer a diverse selection of poker variants to satisfy your cravings for variety. Whether you enjoy the complexity of Omaha, the strategy of Seven Card Stud, or the simplicity of Five Card Draw, there’s a site that offers something for every type of player. So why not explore the world beyond Hold’em and find your next favorite poker game today?
