Off beat poker games

[emoneypitt]

I've been playing some 2-7 Triple Draw myself lately. I found out I'm pretty good at it actually.
I've also been playing some micro limit 7 Card Stud on Stars as well. I play 5 Card Draw semi-frequently as well.

[Vito_Nuccio]

There are countless variations of poker games out there. I am not going to get into a particular game but going to point out some observations about offshoots.

The majority of us are here because we like to play poker. Many like variations of games to keep interest or just like trying different things. I enjoy playing different games and do play in dealers choice games from time to time as well as playing many game types online.

The issue I have with offshoot games is when the wild card or more are introduced. In my mind this changes the game drastically and gives chance to someone with an inferior hand or playing style. Wild card games are designed for kitchen table play with friends to keep more players involved in the hand due to the increased amount of possible ranks available. Wild card games are more like playing the lottery. The players receiving the wild cards have a superior dynamic hand to those who do not. Non-wild good poker hands often get creamed by rags matched up with a couple of wilds (usually other rags). I avoid wild card games as much as possible.

I also do not like a split pot game (tied hands withstanding). Split pot games usually offer half the pot to something like highest hole spade or something of the like. Someone gets the nut card or combination and knows from the beginning they get half. Once again the real poker hand is vulnerable, since it can only win half the pot and will be facing constant raises from the already verified other half winner. The only time I embrace split pot games is in the form of a HORSE type of game when they are part of the rotation.

If a set amount of games are determined (with no wild or split games), dealers choice can be a very good game to play. If playing dealers choice, determine at the start what is acceptable. If a new game is to be introduced, do it at the beginning and mark it as one of the dealer choices. Do not allow a dealer in the middle of the session to explain new rules or make up a new game. It wastes time and energy and opens up the possibility of rules interpretation on the fly, a tough prospect if playing a game for the first time.

Most poker players relish the chance to play in a variety of games. Just make sure you enjoy them and are keenly aware of whatever game you playing and adjust hand and bet strength accordingly.

Later,