The wide world of poker stars variants is so diverse that we might say that there is a game to suit almost every taste. It is true that some poker variants, such as Texas Hold ‘Em, are much more popular than others. However, just because something is very popular does not mean it is right for you. You might have to dig around a little or explore off the beaten track in order to find your favorite poker variant.

Firstly, you might want to ask yourself about your own thoughts and feelings on the social aspect of poker. Do you like to play in a group and test your skills face-to-face against other players? Or does the thought of this kind of game make you want to dive under the table? This will help you narrow down your choices. If you love the social aspect of the game, by all means, try the traditional table games, such as Omaha Hi Lo and other classics. If you fall on the other extreme and prefer purely solitary gaming experiences, go online and try the video poker variants. If you don’t like facing people across a table, but don’t necessarily like playing all alone, either, try online poker tournaments.

Secondly, what sort of rules do you like? Simple or complex? If you like very simple games, stick to Five Card Draw and other basic variants. If this tactic starts to pall, again, video poker can be your best bet: such games are based on Five Card Draw, but have various bonuses and gimmicks added. Think of such games as bowls of basic vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and nuts on top. If you love navigating through more complex rules, try Pai Gow Poker, which requires you to make two hands from the cards you are dealt, according to certain restrictions about the value of each hand.

Thirdly, how about betting? Assuming you plan to play on Full Tilt Poker for money, the way in which cash or tokens are used in a game can make a huge difference to your playing experience. In some games, such as Texas Hold ‘Em, the stakes can rise higher and higher as a particular hand plays itself out. In other types of games, hands are over very quickly, and not much money is put at risk per hand. The first type of game can be more thrilling, but do not be fooled by the seeming innocuousness of the second type. If you play many hands, you can still lose or win a lot of money. This last factor is probably the most important when it comes to figuring out what kind of poker you like.

Perhaps, after reading this article, you might realize that you have only sampled a small part of the diversity of the world of poker. If so, do try out games that have very different characteristics from the ones you are used to. You just might stumble upon new favorites.