The effect of the popularity of Texas Hold'em is double-sided: First, it is played almost everywhere, and second, it is played almost everywhere. Its universal appeal makes it both a blessing and a curse. It is great to walk into a room or turn on the TV and know exactly what is being played and how to play it, but it is also a little redundant. Once you have a handle on how to play the game, it can actually help your overall performance if you spice it up a little with some variation. I am not suggesting you have to pick up 5-Card Draw or 7-Card Stud, if you don't want to move that far away from Hold'em. There are a few great Hold'em variations which offer a subtle and refreshing twist on your old favourite.

Double Flop Hold'em

Double Flop Hold'Em is a standard Hold'em variation where you play with (you guessed it!) two separate boards or community cards. What doesn't change is the number of hole cards dealt to each player, which remains two. However, each player does get to play two hands, one for each set of community cards. So, to start the game, each player is dealt their two cards. The first round of betting proceeds as usual, then the dealer deals out two flops. Next is another round of betting, then another two turn cards are dealt. A third round of betting, then the two river cards. By the end you should have ten cards face-up in two rows of five. Now each player makes his/her best hand for each row and the pot is split between the winning hand for each board. It is possible for one person to win both hands and scoop the whole pot.

Pineapple Poker (or Crazy Pineapple)

Pineapple Poker begins exactly like Texas Hold'em, with the two players to the left posting blinds prior to the deal. It's after this where the changes start. Instead of being dealt 2 hole cards, each player receives 3 hole cards. After the 3 hole cards are dealt, there's a round of betting, there's the standard 3 card flop and then another round of betting. It's at this point the ‘crazy' bit gets explained: After the second round of bets, every player who has remained in the hand has to pick one of their three hole cards to discard. At this point, the game is played out just like regular Texas Hold'em. The turn is dealt, a round of betting ensues, the river is dealt, another betting round, and then there's the showdown. Players use their hole cards and the community cards to make the best 5-card hand.

Omaha High

Out of the three variations mentioned here, Omaha High is probably the furthest relative of Texas Hold'em. Like Hold'em, Omaha is a community card game, meaning players share the cards on the board. Unlike Hold'em, each player is dealt 4 hole cards, and can only use 2 cards from his/her hole cards and 3 from the board to make a 5-card poker hand. Omaha begins exactly the same way, with the two players to the left of the dealer putting out the blinds. At this point, every player is dealt four hole cards. The first round of betting begins the same as with Hold'em, with the player to the left of the big blind and continues clockwise. After the betting is completed, the three flop cards are dealt face up in the center of the table – just like in Hold'em. The next round of betting starts and when the betting is complete, the fourth (turn) card is dealt. Another round of betting and then the last river card is dealt. A final round of betting occurs and then the remaining players show their cards. As mentioned early, players must use 2 hole cards and 3 community cards to make the best 5-card hand.

The rules as outlined in this article assume that you have a basic to solid understanding of how to play Hold'em. If you don't, you probably want to check out Texas Hold'em rules. Tower happens to have a great rundown for your perusal.

- Patricia Lang, Tower Gaming Media Room Manager