A Beginner’s Guide to the Best Poker Games to Play Online
New to online poker and wondering where to start? You’re not alone. One of the first questions new players ask is simple: What poker game should I play? With so many formats, styles, and variants, it can be hard to choose the right table—especially if you’re playing for real money.
Two of the most popular types of poker games are Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and while they share the same basic rules, the experience at the table can feel totally different. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, compare play styles, and help you find the best poker game to play online, based on your personality and skill level.
Texas Hold’em vs Omaha – The Basics
Texas Hold’em: Each player gets 2 hole cards and shares 5 community cards. You make the best five-card hand using any combination. It’s the most popular poker game in the world, known for its simplicity and strategic depth.
Omaha (Pot-Limit Omaha or PLO): Each player gets 4 hole cards but must use exactly 2 in combination with 3 community cards to make a hand. The extra cards mean more possibilities, bigger draws, and wilder pots.
Not sure which game suits your style? Take the quiz below.
Quick Quiz: What Poker Game Should You Try First?
- Do you prefer slow, strategic build-ups or chaotic action?
- A) Slow and steady (→ Try Hold’em)
- B) Non-stop action (→ Try Omaha)
- Are you new to poker?
- A) Yes, I need a solid foundation (→ Hold’em)
- B) I’ve played a bit and want a challenge (→ Omaha)
- Do you enjoy math-heavy decisions and draw combos?
- A) Not really (→ Stick with Hold’em)
- B) Absolutely (→ Omaha is calling)
- Do you get frustrated when opponents draw out on you?
- A) Yes (→ Hold’em might be more your pace)
- B) It’s part of the fun (→ Omaha is for you)
Score mostly A’s? Start with Texas Hold’em – it’s beginner-friendly, strategic, and the most accessible poker variant online.
Score mostly B’s? Dive into Pot-Limit Omaha – the game for action lovers who enjoy multi-way pots and huge swings.
Texas Hold’em: Best for New Players
If you’re just getting started, Hold’em is the best poker game to play online. It has fewer variables, more consistent hand values, and clearer betting structures. The strategy runs deep, but the rules are easy to learn. From free-play tables to high-stakes action, Hold’em offers a steady learning curve.
Try Texas Hold’em now on Americas Cardroom’s. Download the app
Why You’ll Like It:
- Easier to learn for beginners
- More predictable hand strength
- Massive volume of available games
- Easier to multi-table
- Strong foundation for learning other poker formats
Example Hand:
You’re dealt A♠ K♣
The flop comes K♦ 9♣ 3♥
You’ve got top pair, top kicker. The hand is easy to evaluate and play confidently.
