Dealer's Choice Poker: Complete Guide to Mixed Home Game Formats
What Is Dealer's Choice Poker?
Dealer's Choice is the classic home game poker format where the player in the dealer position selects which poker variant the table will play for that round. This rotating selection creates variety, tests players across multiple game types, and keeps everyone engaged regardless of their preferred specialty. Whether you favor Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, or exotic wild card games, Dealer's Choice ensures every player gets to showcase their strengths throughout the session.
According to the World Series of Poker, mixed game formats have deep roots in poker history, predating the Hold'em boom by decades. Before Texas Hold'em became dominant in the 1970s and 1980s, most home games operated as Dealer's Choice by default, with players cycling through draw games, stud variants, and community card games based on regional preferences and personal taste.
The format remains popular today for several compelling reasons: it levels the playing field between specialists and generalists, prevents any single player from dominating with one game, and recreates the varied challenge of professional mixed game formats like HORSE. For home game hosts looking to add excitement beyond standard Hold'em nights, understanding Dealer's Choice structure, popular game selections, and strategic considerations transforms an ordinary poker night into an engaging test of versatility.
This guide covers everything from basic Dealer's Choice rules and rotation formats to comprehensive game selection lists, strategic adaptation tips, and best practices for hosting successful mixed poker nights. Whether you're new to home games or a seasoned host looking to expand your game library, mastering Dealer's Choice opens up a world of poker variety.
Basic Dealer's Choice Rules
The Fundamental Structure
Dealer's Choice operates on a simple principle: the person dealing has the authority to select the game. This creates a natural rotation as the deal passes clockwise around the table. Before dealing any cards, the dealer announces their chosen game clearly, ensuring all players understand which variant and any special rules that apply.
As documented by poker historian Pagat.com, this format dates back to the earliest days of poker when players naturally experimented with different variants. The dealer's privilege to choose the game was seen as compensation for the positional disadvantage of dealing first in stud games or posting blinds in flop games.
- Game Selection: Before dealing, the dealer clearly announces the chosen game variant and any special rules.
- Understanding Check: Other players may ask for clarification on rules before cards are dealt.
- Dealing: The dealer distributes cards according to that game's specific dealing structure.
- Play: All players follow the chosen game's rules for that hand.
- Rotation: After the hand concludes, the deal passes clockwise and the new dealer selects the next game.
Rotation Formats
Two primary rotation systems are used in Dealer's Choice games:
Single-Hand Rotation (Most Common):
Each dealer picks one game, plays one hand, then passes the deal. This maximizes variety but can feel choppy if players choose wildly different games back-to-back.
- Maximum variety - potentially 8-10 different games per orbit
- Each player gets equal "airtime" for their preferred game
- Best for groups comfortable with many game types
Orbit Rotation:
The dealer's chosen game continues for a full orbit (until the button returns to them), typically 8-10 hands. This provides more time to settle into each game's rhythm.
- Better for learning new games - more hands to practice
- Allows strategic depth to develop within each variant
- Reduces time spent explaining rules
- Similar to casino mixed game structures
Stakes and Betting Considerations
Managing stakes across different game types requires planning. A common approach is establishing a standard small bet/big bet structure that applies regardless of game type. For example, in a $1/$2 home game:
| Game Type | Betting Structure | Example Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| No-Limit Hold'em | Blinds: $1/$2, No-Limit | Min buy-in: $40-100 |
| Pot-Limit Omaha | Blinds: $1/$2, Pot-Limit | Min buy-in: $40-100 |
| Seven Card Stud | $2/$4 Fixed Limit | Ante: $0.50, Bring-in: $1 |
| Five Card Draw | $2/$4 Fixed Limit or Pot-Limit | Ante: $1 or Blinds: $1/$2 |
The key is maintaining consistent relative stakes so no single game creates dramatically different risk levels. This prevents players from avoiding certain games purely due to stake concerns rather than strategic preference.
Popular Dealer's Choice Games
A well-rounded Dealer's Choice night benefits from a diverse menu of games spanning different poker families. Here's a categorized list of popular selections, from mainstream variants to creative home game specials:
Community Card Games
These games feature shared cards in the middle that all players use to make hands:
- Texas Hold'em: Two hole cards, five community cards. The global standard, familiar to virtually all players.
- Omaha: Four hole cards, must use exactly two. Higher hand requirements and more action than Hold'em.
- Omaha Hi-Lo: Split-pot variant where low hands (8-or-better) share the pot. Requires two-way thinking.
- Pineapple: Three hole cards with one discarded. More action than Hold'em, less complexity than Omaha.
- Crazy Pineapple: Discard one of three hole cards after the flop rather than preflop.
- Iron Cross: Five community cards arranged in a cross pattern; players choose either vertical or horizontal row plus center card.
Stud Games
Players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards with no community cards. Dead card tracking becomes crucial, as explained in our poker probability guide:
- Seven Card Stud: The pre-Hold'em classic. Three down, four up, best five-card hand wins.
- Razz: Lowball stud where the worst hand (A-2-3-4-5) wins. Essential for mixed game mastery.
- Stud Hi-Lo (Eight-or-Better): Split pot between best high and qualifying low hand.
- Follow the Queen: Stud with wild cards - whenever a Queen is dealt face up, the next card exposed becomes wild.
- Baseball: Seven Card Stud with 3s and 9s wild; 4s dealt face-up buy an extra card.
- Roll Your Own: Stud variant where players choose which cards to expose each round.
Draw Games
Players receive a complete hand, then exchange cards hoping to improve. Understanding hand rankings and draw odds is essential:
- Five Card Draw: The original poker game. Simple, fast, and purely player-versus-player deception.
- 2-7 Triple Draw: Three draws to make the worst hand (7-5-4-3-2 is the nuts). Highly strategic.
- Badugi: Four-card lowball where best hand has four different suits and ranks.
- Jacks or Better: Five Card Draw where you need at least a pair of Jacks to open betting.
- Lowball (A-5 or 2-7): Draw games where lowest hand wins. A-5 lowball counts straights/flushes against you differently than 2-7.
Wild Card Games
These variants use designated wild cards that can represent any card. Wild games increase variance and create more monster hands:
- Deuces Wild: Any game where all 2s are wild cards.
- One-Eyed Jacks: The Jack of Spades and Jack of Hearts are wild.
- Low Hole Wild: In stud games, your lowest down card and all matching ranks are wild for your hand.
- Dr. Pepper (10-2-4 Wild): Tens, Twos, and Fours are wild. Creates extreme hand strength inflation.
Wild Card Etiquette:
Many experienced players dislike wild card games because they reduce skill and create confusion. Consider these guidelines:
- Establish wild card policies before starting (e.g., max one wild game per orbit)
- Ensure all players understand which cards are wild before dealing
- Remember: with wild cards, hand rankings shift - five of a kind beats a straight flush
- Keep track of wild cards used by opponents during stud games
Strategic Considerations
Exploiting Your Turn to Deal
When it's your deal, you have a strategic opportunity beyond mere preference. Consider these factors when selecting your game:
- Your Strengths: Choose games where your skill edge is largest. If you've mastered Omaha Hi-Lo while others struggle with split-pot concepts, that's a profitable selection.
- Opponent Weaknesses: Notice which games cause opponents to make the most mistakes. A recreational Hold'em player might struggle with Stud Hi-Lo's complex decisions.
- Table Dynamics: If the table is playing passively, choose action games like Omaha. If players are gambling it up, tighter games like Seven Card Stud let you wait for premiums.
- Stack Sizes: With short stacks at the table, No-Limit games create all-in pressure. With deep stacks, fixed-limit or pot-limit games let you navigate more streets.
Adapting Between Games
The mental shift between poker variants is where Dealer's Choice separates strong mixed-game players from specialists. Key adaptation points include:
| Transitioning From | Transitioning To | Key Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Hold'em | Stud | Track exposed cards; no community cards to share |
| Hi-Only Games | Hi-Lo Splits | Value low hands; don't overplay one-way hands |
| Community Card | Draw Games | Hand reading shifts to betting patterns and draw counts |
| No-Limit | Fixed-Limit | Drawing hands gain value; can't protect with big bets |
The Two Plus Two poker forums contain extensive discussion of mixed game strategy, with experienced players emphasizing that the biggest leaks in Dealer's Choice come from players who can't shift gears between game types.
Hand Selection Adjustments
Understanding how starting hand values shift between games is crucial for Dealer's Choice success. What's premium in one game may be marginal in another:
Pocket Aces Example:
- Texas Hold'em: Best starting hand, massive preflop edge (85% vs random hand)
- Omaha: Weaker without suited/connected backup; easily outdrawn
- Seven Card Stud: Strong but visible; split Aces (one up, one down) better
- Razz: Worst possible holding - you want low cards
- 2-7 Triple Draw: Terrible - Aces are high, you need 7-5-4-3-2
Players who excel at Dealer's Choice maintain separate mental frameworks for each game type. Our range construction guide explains how to think about hand categories, though ranges shift dramatically by variant.
The Generalist Advantage
Research from Card Player Magazine suggests that mixed game proficiency correlates with overall poker skill. Players who can compete across formats typically demonstrate:
- Stronger fundamental understanding of pot odds and implied odds
- Better opponent reading from varied game contexts
- More adaptable mental game skills
- Deeper appreciation for how game structure affects strategy
This generalist skill development is why many professional poker players actively study games outside their specialty. The PokerNews strategy section regularly features articles on broadening your poker education through mixed game play.
Hosting Dealer's Choice Nights
Setting House Rules
Clear house rules prevent disputes and ensure everyone enjoys the night. Establish these before the first deal:
- Approved Game List: Consider providing a written list of allowed games. This prevents obscure variants that only one player knows.
- Wild Card Policy: Decide whether wild cards are allowed, limited (e.g., one per orbit), or banned entirely.
- Betting Structure: Establish whether dealers can choose betting format (NL/PL/Limit) or if one structure applies to all games.
- Explanation Rules: Require dealers to explain any unfamiliar game before dealing. Consider printed rule cards for complex variants.
- New Game Introduction: Decide if players can introduce new games mid-session or if the game list is fixed for the night.
Managing Mixed Skill Levels
Dealer's Choice naturally accommodates different skill levels since weak Hold'em players might excel at stud games. However, consider these balance factors:
- Rule Explanations: Ensure new players get clear explanations without slowing down the game. Pre-game orientation helps.
- Game Complexity: Suggest newer players start with simpler games during their deals (Hold'em, Five Card Draw) before attempting complex variants.
- Friendly Stakes: Keep stakes at levels where learning mistakes don't create resentment.
- Time Limits: Set reasonable time limits for decisions to keep the game moving.
Our comprehensive poker home game hosting guide covers equipment, chip distribution, blind structures, and other logistics that apply to Dealer's Choice nights.
Sample Game Menu
Here's a balanced game menu suitable for most home Dealer's Choice sessions:
| Category | Beginner-Friendly | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community | Hold'em, Pineapple | Omaha, PLO | Omaha Hi-Lo, Big O |
| Stud | Seven Card Stud | Razz | Stud Hi-Lo |
| Draw | Five Card Draw | Lowball | 2-7 Triple Draw, Badugi |
| Wild | Deuces Wild Draw | Follow the Queen | Baseball (complex rules) |
Keeping Track of the Action
Mixed games can create accounting challenges. Tips for smooth operation:
- Use a dealer button even in stud games to track who deals next
- Announce the game name clearly before each hand
- Keep antes and blind amounts consistent or use a simple ratio (e.g., stud ante = small blind)
- Consider a blind timer if you want structured level increases
- In tournament format, establish which games are available at each blind level
Dealer's Choice vs. Casino Mixed Games
While pure Dealer's Choice is primarily a home game format, casinos offer structured mixed games that provide similar variety. Understanding the differences helps if you're looking to transition your skills:
HORSE and 8-Game
Casino mixed games use predetermined rotation schedules rather than player choice. HORSE (Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud, Eight-or-Better) and 8-Game (adding 2-7 Triple Draw, No-Limit Hold'em, and Pot-Limit Omaha) rotate on fixed intervals:
- Cash Games: Game changes every 30 minutes or after each orbit
- Tournaments: Game changes every level (often 20-60 minutes)
- No Wild Cards: Casino mixed games exclusively use standard poker variants
- Fixed Stakes: Betting structures are predetermined for each game type
According to PokerNews, the $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the WSOP - often called the true "World Championship of Poker" - uses an 8-Game format, emphasizing mixed game skill as the ultimate measure of poker ability.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Dealer's Choice | Casino Mixed Games |
|---|---|---|
| Game Selection | Player chooses each hand/orbit | Fixed rotation schedule |
| Variants Available | Unlimited (by house rules) | Preset (e.g., 5 in HORSE, 8 in 8-Game) |
| Wild Cards | Often allowed | Never used |
| Strategic Element | Game selection adds layer | Pure gameplay skill |
| Rake/Costs | None (home game) | Standard casino rake applies |
Building Your Mixed Game Skills
Becoming proficient at Dealer's Choice requires study across multiple game types. Here's a suggested learning progression:
Foundation Games (Learn First)
- Texas Hold'em - Establishes community card fundamentals, position play, and modern betting theory
- Seven Card Stud - Teaches exposed card tracking, dead card awareness, and non-community hand reading
- Five Card Draw - Pure draw game fundamentals: hand selection, draw decisions, and bluffing without board information
Intermediate Expansion (Add These Second)
- Omaha - Four-card hand construction, wrap draws, and nut hand importance
- Razz - Lowball hand evaluation, brick recognition, and split-pot game foundations
- Pineapple - Three-card starting hand evaluation bridges Hold'em and Omaha thinking
Advanced Mastery (Long-Term Goals)
- Omaha Hi-Lo - Split-pot strategy with complex scoop vs. freeroll decisions
- 2-7 Triple Draw - Multi-street draw games with complex discard sequences
- Stud Hi-Lo - Combines stud fundamentals with split-pot complexity
- Badugi - Unique four-card format requiring entirely different hand evaluation
Use our poker odds calculator and EV calculator to analyze decisions across different game types. Understanding the mathematical foundations transfers across all variants, even as specific applications differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if no one knows the game the dealer calls?
The dealer must explain the rules clearly before dealing. If they can't adequately explain, or if other players are uncomfortable proceeding, they should choose a different game. This is why having an approved game list or printed rule cards helps - it ensures everyone can participate meaningfully in whatever game is called.
Can the dealer choose the same game every time?
Unless house rules restrict it, yes. However, repeatedly calling the same game defeats the purpose of Dealer's Choice and may frustrate other players. Some groups implement a "no repeats within X deals" rule to ensure variety. Good etiquette suggests mixing up your selections.
How do you handle disputes about game rules mid-hand?
The dealer's explanation at the start of the hand is binding for that hand. Any unclear situations should be resolved in favor of standard poker principles (best hand wins, ties split the pot, etc.). After the hand, the group should clarify the rule for future deals. The Home Poker Tourney resource provides standardized rules for many home game variants.
Is Dealer's Choice good for beginners?
It can be excellent for beginners in a friendly environment. Exposure to multiple game types builds well-rounded poker understanding, and beginners may discover games that suit their natural strengths. However, beginners should start with familiar games during their deals and ask questions freely. A patient, teaching-oriented group makes all the difference.
What's the best rotation: single hand or full orbit?
Both work well for different groups. Single-hand rotation maximizes variety and is best for groups comfortable with rapid game changes. Orbit rotation provides more time to develop strategy within each game and works better when learning new variants. Many groups use orbit rotation for stud games (where exposed card tracking matters across hands) and single-hand for community card games.
Conclusion: The Complete Poker Experience
Dealer's Choice represents poker in its purest, most varied form - a format where versatility trumps specialization and every player gets to showcase their favorite games. Whether you're hosting a casual home game or looking to develop the well-rounded skills that top mixed game professionals possess, understanding Dealer's Choice structure and strategy opens doors to a richer poker experience.
The format's enduring popularity speaks to a fundamental truth about poker: variety enhances enjoyment and skill development. By rotating through Hold'em, stud games, draw variants, and everything in between, Dealer's Choice players develop intuitions and abilities that pure Hold'em specialists simply don't acquire.
Start by mastering the foundation games, gradually expand your repertoire, and embrace the challenge of adapting between variants. The skills you build in Dealer's Choice - reading opponents across contexts, calculating odds in unfamiliar situations, and maintaining mental flexibility - will make you a stronger poker player regardless of which game you eventually specialize in.
For more on specific poker variants, explore our comprehensive guides to Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and other games. Our poker home games guide covers all the logistics of hosting successful poker nights, while our poker tools help analyze decisions across any variant you choose.