LEARN THE FULL DEFINITION OF DEALER’S CHOICE POKER

Dealer’s choice poker games have become the talk of the town in recent years, and for good reason.

Many poker players enjoy experiencing different poker variants without having to switch tables, especially since this maintains the game dynamics.

In this blog, we’ll unveil the beauty of the dealer’s choice poker game by explaining the main poker variants featured in a traditional dealer’s choice game.

This way, we’ll get you prepared for whatever poker variants a dealer’s choice game can throw your way!

WHAT IS DEALER’S CHOICE?

Dealer’s choice is a poker variant where the dealer has the authority to determine which poker game will be played in each round.

This means that players can find themselves transitioning from a popular poker format such as Texas hold’em game, to an Omaha variant or even a lesser-known draw poker game such as Lowball Triple Draw in the blink of an eye.

The dealer’s power to rotate through an extensive list of poker variants creates an environment where versatility and a comprehensive understanding of different games are essential for success.

Players must be adept at swiftly adapting their strategies to the nuances of each chosen variant, adding an exciting layer of complexity to the gameplay.

The random process of choosing different games not only tests players’ knowledge of various poker games but also challenges their ability to read opponents and make informed decisions on the fly.

Before going for a dealer’s choice table, make sure that you know the ins and outs of all the potential poker games that the dealer might choose.

LEARN HOW TO PLAY DEALER’S CHOICE

As you can imagine, it’s important to understand how many poker games are played before diving into a dealer’s choice poker table.

While the specific rules may vary depending on the chosen game, there are some fundamental principles and guidelines that apply across most dealer’s choice games.

BASIC RULES OF THE DEALER’S CHOICE GAMES

First off, regardless of the poker game chosen, the standard hand rankings typically apply in dealer’s choice poker games.

Players must be well-acquainted with the hierarchy of hands, ranging from high card to royal flush, to effectively compete in any given round.

The ability to quickly assess the strength of a hand becomes paramount, considering the diversity of games that may be introduced by the dealer.

Secondly, the betting structure in dealer’s choice mix games often follows the conventions of traditional poker, including concepts such as blinds, antes, and betting rounds.

Players should familiarise themselves with the specific betting rules of each chosen variant, whether it’s no-limit, pot-limit, or fixed-limit betting structure.

Another rule to note is the dealer’s authority to select the game. Typically, the dealer rotates clockwise after each hand, ensuring that every player has a chance to influence the game selection.

This rotation adds an element of fairness and variety, preventing any single player from choosing the same game over and over again.

Finally, house rules may come into play. These rules, established by the host or venue, can cover aspects such as allowable games played, betting limits, and specific game conditions.

Players should familiarise themselves with any house rules before the session begins to ensure that the random process of choosing games provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

WHAT GAMES ARE ON THE DEALER’S CHOICE LIST?

The allure of dealer’s choice poker lies in its diverse selection of poker games. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular categories of games that can be included in a dealer’s choice rotation.

HOLD’EM GAMES

The most popular poker format out there! Here’s a brief overview of what Texas hold’em variants look like.

• Players are dealt two hole cards face down.
• Five community cards are dealt face-up in the centre; three community cards first, then another two later.
• The best five-card hand, using a combination of hole cards and community cards, wins.

OMAHA HOLD’EM GAMES

Omaha variants are similar to Hold’em, except that players are dealt four hole cards instead of two.

• Players must use exactly two of their hole cards in combination with three of the five community cards.
• The goal is to create the best five-card hand.

PINEAPPLE HOLD’EM

Pineapple Hold’em is a variant of Texas Hold’em, a popular poker game. In Pineapple Hold’em, players receive three private cards instead of the traditional two.

After the flop, where the first three community cards are revealed, players must discard one of their three private cards, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability.

The remaining gameplay closely follows the rules of Texas Hold’em, with the goal of creating the best possible five-card hand using a combination of the remaining private cards and the community cards.

• Combines strategic decision-making with the excitement of discarding cards.
• Players aim to create the best possible five-card hand after the discard.

POT-LIMIT OMAHA

Pot-Limit Omaha is a community card poker variant similar to Texas Hold’em but with a key distinction. In Pot-Limit Omaha, players are dealt four private cards instead of two. The betting structure is pot-limit, meaning players can bet up to the total size of the pot.

• Combines strategic decision-making with the excitement of discarding cards.
• Players aim to create the best possible five-card hand after the discard.

OMAHA HIGH

Now, onto Omaha variants! In this poker game, the highest hand wins the round. Similar to the Hold’em poker format, Omaha High has a combination of betting rounds, including pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.

• Players use four hole cards and five comm. cards.
• The objective is to create the strongest five-card hand.

OMAHA HI-LO (8 OR BETTER)

Omaha Hi-Lo is a split-pot game where the highest and lowest hands share the pot, hence the name.

• Players aim for both the best high hand and the best low hand.
• The ‘8 or Better’ rule determines the eligibility of the low hand.

SEVEN-CARD STUD (HI-LO)

In Seven-Card Stud, each player is dealt seven cards, three face-down and four face-up.

• Players aim to create the best five-card hand using a combination of face-up and face-down cards (and in the case of Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo, players also aim for the best low hand).
• Betting rounds occur after each dealt card.

RAZZ

This is a lowball variant of Seven-Card Stud, where the lowest hand wins. Aces are considered low, and straights and flushes do not count against the hand.

The game adds a unique twist to traditional poker, as players strive to create the weakest possible hand instead of the strongest.

• Players strive to form the lowest possible hand using five of their seven cards.
• The standard hand rankings are reversed.

FIVE CARD STUD

Among the Stud Poker games, we have the Five Card Stud. This is simply an older variant of Seven-Card Stud where players receive five hole cards.

Betting rounds occur after each dealt card, providing a simple yet strategic gameplay experience.

Five-Card Stud has a historical significance in poker and was popular before the rise of community card games like Hold’em.

• Simple yet strategic, with betting rounds after each dealt card.
• Players aim to create the best five-card poker hand.

LOWBALL TRIPLE DRAW

The first of the Triple Draw variants is Lowball Triple Draw, which is simply a lowball poker casino game where the goal is to have the lowest possible hand.

• Players have three opportunities to discard and draw cards.
• The lowest poker hand at the end of the third draw wins.

DEUCE TO SEVEN TRIPLE DRAW

Variants are abundant when it comes to triple draw. Games like these are called Single Draw variants, where players vie for the lowest hand.

It’s pretty often that a dealer chooses Triple Draw games.

• Three drawing rounds create ample opportunities for strategic decisions.
• The lowest poker hand at the end of the third draw wins.

DEUCE TO SEVEN SINGLE DRAW

Deuce to Seven Single Draw is a draw poker variant where players aim to have the lowest hand possible.

Like most Single Draw variants, Deuce to Seven Single Draw is known for its emphasis on low hands and strategic decision-making during the drawing round.

• Players have one opportunity to discard and draw cards, aiming for the lowest possible hand.

WHAT IS WORLD SERIES OF POKER (WSOP)?

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Tournament Structure is a multifaceted and diverse platform that epitomises the essence of competitive poker.

Established in 1970, the WSOP has evolved into the most prestigious and globally recognised poker tournament series. It is a celebration of skill, strategy, and, perhaps most importantly, the thrill of the casino game.

Comprising a wide array of events (one of which is the Dealer’s Choice Bracelet Event), each offering a unique poker variant or format, the WSOP provides a comprehensive examination of players’ skills and versatility.

The coveted gold bracelets, awarded to winners of WSOP events, symbolise excellence and stand as tangible proof of triumph in the challenging and dynamic world of poker.

From high-stakes cash games to specialised tournaments showcasing various poker disciplines, the WSOP Tournament Structure embodies the inclusivity and richness of the poker experience, attracting participants from across the globe to test their poker skills for a place in poker history.

The World Series of Poker has left an big mark on poker culture, evolving from a local tournament in Las Vegas to a global phenomenon that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. Its extensive media coverage, including the globally televised Main Event final table, has turned poker into a mainstream spectacle.

The WSOP serves as a breeding ground for poker legends, with champions becoming iconic figures in the poker community. The event’s cultural impact extends beyond the poker table, influencing how the world perceives and embraces the game.

As a cultural touchstone, the WSOP continues to shape the narrative of poker, attracting new players, elevating the status of the game, and fostering a shared passion for the thrill and strategy inherent in every shuffle and deal.

CONCLUSION

Dealer’s choice poker brings a refreshing twist to the traditional poker experience by allowing the dealer to curate an ever-changing array of games, instead of conducting the same game over and over again.

This format demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of various poker variants. Before dabbling into dealer’s choice poker, make sure that you’re well versed in (Limit and No-Limit) hold’em variants, stud games, Five-card Draw and other poker card games.

The last thing you’ll want is to be unprepared when the dealer chooses the next game! We hope that the games listed in this post will help you play dealer’s choice poker games.

Whether you’re a seasoned poker pro or a casual player looking to spice up your poker nights, dealer’s choice poker offers an exciting and dynamic way to enjoy the game.