Complete Card Games Index

Poker Variants

Player-versus-player poker games where skill, strategy, and psychology determine winners. As documented by the World Series of Poker, these games feature betting rounds, hand rankings, and the fundamental poker mechanic of combining cards to form the strongest hand.

Casino Poker Games

Player-versus-house poker variants found in casinos. These games use poker hand rankings but pit you against the dealer or a house paytable rather than other players. Fixed house edges apply.

Casino Card Games

Traditional casino banking games where you play against the house. According to the American Gaming Association, these games don't use poker hand rankings but have their own unique rules and objectives. Mathematically determined house edges apply to all outcomes.

Regional & Traditional Games

Card games with regional origins now found in casinos worldwide. These games blend traditional cultural gambling games with modern casino structures, offering unique gameplay mechanics and cultural heritage.

Reference Materials

Essential poker reference guides and tools to support your learning journey. Master hand rankings, calculate odds, and understand fundamental concepts that apply across all poker variants.

How to Navigate This Encyclopedia

If you're new to card games, start with beginner-friendly options marked with the "Beginner" badge. Five Card Draw and Blackjack offer the simplest entry points with straightforward rules and minimal complexity. Once comfortable with basic concepts like hand rankings and betting structure, progress to intermediate games.

Each game guide follows a consistent structure: introduction and history, objective, setup and deal, betting rounds or game flow, strategy fundamentals, and common mistakes to avoid. This standardized format makes it easy to compare games and understand how they differ.

Pay attention to the "Player vs Player" versus "Player vs House" distinction. Player-versus-player games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha reward long-term skill development—your success depends on making better decisions than opponents. Player-versus-house games like Baccarat and casino poker variants have fixed mathematical house edges that cannot be overcome through strategy alone, only minimized.

For a deeper understanding of how poker hands are evaluated and compared, consult our Poker Hand Rankings reference. This fundamental knowledge applies across all poker variants and is essential before playing any game that uses standard poker hand evaluation.

Suggested Learning Path

Stage 1: Fundamentals (Start Here)

• Poker for Beginners - Complete getting started guide covering all essential concepts for new players
• Poker Hand Rankings - Essential foundation for all poker games
• Poker Glossary & Terminology - Complete A-Z dictionary of 150+ poker terms and slang
• Poker Position Explained - Master table positions and positional advantages
• Betting Structures - Understand No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit formats
• Poker Probability & Mathematics - Master pot odds, expected value, combinatorics, and poker math essentials
• Poker Equity Explained - Understand hand equity, fold equity, and equity realization for better decisions
• Poker Tells & Body Language - Read opponents through physical and behavioral cues
• Poker Etiquette - Master table manners and the unwritten rules of poker
• Poker Home Games Guide - Complete setup and hosting guide for running your own poker night
• Poker Side Pots Explained - Understand how all-in situations create main pots and side pots
• Common Poker Myths Debunked - Separate fact from fiction with 15 misconceptions explained
• Poker Rake Explained - Understand how casinos profit from poker and how rake affects your winrate
• Casino War - The absolute simplest casino game, zero skill required
• Five Card Draw - Simplest poker variant, perfect for learning core concepts
• Blackjack - Straightforward casino game with clear decisions

Stage 2: Modern Poker (Most Popular)

• Texas Hold'em - The world's most played poker game
• Three Card Poker - Quick casino poker introduction
• Baccarat - Classic casino elegance

Stage 3: Advanced Variants (Challenge Yourself)

• Poker Range Construction - Master range-based thinking: build preflop ranges, 3-bet ranges, and analyze opponent ranges
• Poker Tournament Strategy - Master MTT and SNG play with ICM, bubble tactics, and final table strategy
• Heads-Up Poker Strategy - One-on-one poker mastery for cash games and tournament finals
• Poker Bluffing Strategy - Master bluff timing, sizing, semi-bluffs, blockers, and deception detection
• Bet Sizing Strategy - Optimize bet sizes for value, bluffs, and protection across board textures
• Check-Raising Strategy - Master the powerful check-raise for value and bluffs with sizing and defensive strategies
• Floating Strategy - Master the float play: calling to bluff later when opponents show weakness in position
• Squeeze Play Strategy - Master pre-flop squeeze 3-bets to exploit dead money from overcallers
• Donk Betting Strategy - Master leading into the preflop aggressor on favorable board textures
• Value Betting Strategy - Extract maximum value from strong hands with optimal sizing and thin value techniques
• Overbetting Strategy - Master betting more than the pot with polarized ranges for maximum value and fold equity
• Slow Playing Strategy - Master trapping with monster hands, optimal board textures for slow plays, and when to fast-play instead
• Reading the Board - Master board texture analysis for better post-flop decisions on dry, wet, and connected boards
• Poker Mental Game & Tilt - Master emotional control, tilt management, and focus for consistent performance
• Online vs Live Poker - Understand format differences, strategy adjustments, and how to transition between environments
• Multi-Way Pot Strategy - Master hand selection, bluffing adjustments, and bet sizing when playing against 3+ opponents
• Omaha Poker - More complex than Hold'em with bigger pots
• Omaha Hi-Lo - Split-pot variant with high/low hand competition
• Pineapple Poker - Three-card Hold'em variant with Crazy and Lazy variants
• Seven Card Stud - Classic poker requiring memory and observation
• Razz Poker - Lowball Stud variant where the worst hand wins
• Stud Hi-Lo - Split-pot Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better for HORSE mastery
• Badugi Poker - Four-card lowball draw where suits determine hand strength
• 2-7 Triple Draw - Triple-draw lowball where straights/flushes count against you
• Short Deck Hold'em - High-action variant with modified hand rankings
• Chinese Poker - 13-card strategic challenge with three-hand arrangement
• HORSE Poker - The ultimate mixed game test across five poker variants
• Ultimate Texas Hold'em - Strategic casino poker variant
• Caribbean Stud Poker - Five-card casino poker with progressive jackpot

Stage 4: Cultural Exploration

• Andar Bahar - Traditional Indian gambling game
• Teen Patti - India's most popular card game with unique blind betting
• Pai Gow Poker - Chinese-American hybrid with slow-paced extended play

Key Terminology Across Games

Ante: A forced bet all players must place before cards are dealt. Common in Draw poker and Stud variants. Creates initial pot value.

Blinds: Forced bets posted by two players before cards are dealt in Hold'em and Omaha. Rotates around the table with the dealer button.

Community Cards: Cards dealt face-up in the center that all players share. Used in Hold'em, Omaha, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em.

Hole Cards: Private cards dealt to each player that only they can see. Texas Hold'em uses two hole cards; Omaha uses four.

Showdown: The final phase where remaining players reveal cards to determine the winner. Occurs after all betting rounds complete.

House Edge: The mathematical advantage the casino has in player-versus-house games. Lower house edges are better for players.

Pot Odds: The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of calling. Used to determine if calling with a drawing hand is mathematically profitable.

Play Responsibly

This encyclopedia provides educational content about card games and poker variants. All games described involve elements of chance, and when played for money, carry inherent financial risk. Player-versus-house games (casino games) have built-in house edges that favor the casino over the long term.

If you choose to play card games for money, do so responsibly within your means. Set strict loss limits before playing and never chase losses. Poker and card games should be recreational activities, not income sources. If gambling becomes problematic, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.

Many of these games can be enjoyed without money through free online platforms, home games with chips, or social play. The strategic challenge and social interaction remain engaging regardless of stakes.