Why not play other forms of poker??!!

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BomTombadil

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I'm curious why there aren't more poker generalists. Why do so many people play only holdem? There are so many other fun forms of poker and the games are way softer. If you're serious about poker and only play one or two forms I'd be curious to hear what keeps you from trying more of the games.
 
Suited Frenzy

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I agree.

I'm assuming the main reason most only stick to NLHE is because of the availability of the games & numbers of the people that play them. It's tough to find a full ring tbl or tournament of the other poker games.

I myself, love all poker games. Some poker games (tournaments specifically) take a long azz time to play & NLHE games can go quite quick sometimes.
 
A2345Razz

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I play a lot of forms of poker....and was a midstakes Razz reg for awhile primarily on FTP.

I have played SHL, Badugi (not well, lol), live mixed games at the Venetian and at a local casino...etc. etc.

I have no idea why more people don't play more games, but I do know there just aren't a lot of opportunities for Domestic US players to play many of these games at low stakes right now bc of the environment.
 
micalupagoo

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i do enjoy a few of the other games...razz,horse,badugi...
Im sure if the was others avail Id give em a shot
(like FTPs new irish game)
think TV made holdem huge, maybe if they televised other games,
or told people about the pros who play (and made big $$$) on other games it may catch on
 
otari

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because most people that start playing poker play NLHE, therefore, easy money.
 
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BomTombadil

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I agree.

I'm assuming the main reason most only stick to NLHE is because of the availability of the games & numbers of the people that play them. It's tough to find a full ring tbl or tournament of the other poker games.

I myself, love all poker games. Some poker games (tournaments specifically) take a long azz time to play & NLHE games can go quite quick sometimes.

I think you're right that availability of the games is a big reason, but I don't think that's all. When I used to play on stars there were lots of super soft games that 99% of the holdem grinders ignored, but could have easily crushed at a way higher win rate. When they first started spreading badugi I read over the rules and started playing with fantastic results. It was free money, but not too many people were taking advantage of the opportunity. Damn I miss stars!
 
Seraphim

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I want more of a firm foundation and solid play in holdem before I learn Omaha.
 
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cander128

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I play a couple different games from time to time but learning one game does not translate into the others. Concentrating on one game and learning what is needed to play good is hard enough which is a good reason to learn other games. Many good holdem players could do great at another game if they put the time in to learn them because of others who sit at a table just to "check it out" and see how they like it. Specializing in omaha or stud etc could be a perfect way for some players if there is enough action at the sight they play at.
 
Aleksei

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I play 5 card draw whenever I get the chance. I don't really like Omaha or Stud (waaay too many variables to keep track of), and I just don't really even know proper strategy for lowball games.

But there's not enough action for non-Hold em games for US players anyway. And also it's not really profitable to branch out from your main game since it requires you to learn strategy for more game types (and spread yourself thinner), which is unnecessary considering the sheer volume of NLHE games available both online and live.

Plus the majority of classic games are spread as limit games, and full ring limit poker sucks (though Stud is better for that since everyone has their own board cards and you can see when you're beat rather than having to assume you are).
 
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BomTombadil

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I play a couple different games from time to time but learning one game does not translate into the others. Concentrating on one game and learning what is needed to play good is hard enough which is a good reason to learn other games. Many good holdem players could do great at another game if they put the time in to learn them because of others who sit at a table just to "check it out" and see how they like it. Specializing in omaha or stud etc could be a perfect way for some players if there is enough action at the sight they play at.

I have to respectfully disagree with you about learning new games not translating to other games. Learning new games teaches you how to think strategically which in turn helps with the games you already know well. Even if you only play NLHE every table is different. You have to be able to come up with ways to exploit what the other players are doing. No one strategy is right for every table. Learning new games will sharpen your ability to adapt and help keep your game from becoming stagnant. It's like cross-training.
 
Poker Orifice

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NLHE is a game that people can learn to play in minutes (but may take a lifetime to master). Because of this, it draws in alot of people (alot of noobs).
 
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<<<big fan of omaha/stud/razz
i'll play anything if im honest.

Hold 'em is fine, but its vanilla ice-cream of poker.
Easy on the palate, doesn't require much thought and minimal risk, everyone will settle for vanilla if there is nothing else available. but only some will try bubble gum flavour if its offered.
 
EvertonGirl

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Well to be honest I get bored when I play the other games, I don't mind playing stud, omaha, razz, badugi in home games as it adds fun to it when you are not playing seriously. HORSE is fun when you playing with friends.

As for tournament play and trying to cash, I don't want to play for 3 hours if I get bored because I will play bad if I am bored and I would quit poker!! I love hold'em it is my favourite game and I never get bored of it. I get very destructive when I am bored :D
 
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i only play a couple other games every once in a blue moon, i played one game i didnt even know the rules and i got 2nd in a 9 person sng. draw and omaha are the only other games i play once in a while.
 
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Badugi never caught on
 
hobonc

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I am the opposite of Everton Girl. I find that a mix of games is more apt to keep my focus sharp. There is no worse feeling in poker than donking off 3/4 of your stack playing razz after the game has switched to stud when playing HORSE, lol.
While the money is great I also enjoy the competition that poker represents. When there are more games involved, there are more "wits" to match. I miss the 10 game tourneys on PS and FT. Excuse me while I cry for a few minutes :'(
 
blott

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I play HORSE sngs on Stars but find them harder than NLH probably because am against regs.. Much more enjoyable than holdem though.

Also play cheap omaha coolers on sky which are quite soft.

Try to avoid stud H/L when the bets are big.

Razz my favourite.
 
Yoshimiii

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I can't be bothered learning the other game types.
 
quintass

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Its the most abundent of games found on any poker site, and, it's the game all online poker players know and feel comfortable with. At least thats how I see it.
On a personal level, I do not like to mix it up. I have enough of a challenge trying to tweak my NL game. :D
 
trekmaster

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i guess im one of the few that is always playin a varity of games everyday.i play at least 3 different types of tournys everyday and sometimes more. 7 card is my favorite.
 
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Actually, I play more omaha than holdem, because cash game for me is only omaha. I only play holdem because omaha tournaments are not very good.
 
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Ive played a lot of forms of poker too. What keeps me from them is I only try to learn one at a time. All forms of poker are complexe although they can all seem easy to the beginner poker player. I think it depends on you motives too. If you dont honestly play primarily for the money then you should play different games if you want to, they are fun.. It is also a good idea to strive at being the jack of all trades when it comes to poker because it give you the greatest potential at game selection and ensures you have a game to play. I think it would be hard to learn a bunch of games at a high level at the same time. for me anyways.
 
blott

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Eight game sngs on Stars are good fun. Only six players and like HORSE except it includes NLH (make or break :)) and PLO and 2-7 loball in place of RAZZ .

Can last up to 2 hours so plenty of poker and a profit if you are still in.
 
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cander128

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I have to respectfully disagree with you about learning new games not translating to other games. Learning new games teaches you how to think strategically which in turn helps with the games you already know well. Even if you only play NLHE every table is different. You have to be able to come up with ways to exploit what the other players are doing. No one strategy is right for every table. Learning new games will sharpen your ability to adapt and help keep your game from becoming stagnant. It's like cross-training.

This is true for the basics of the game but I constantly see players have a hard time with a transition from a regular hold-em tournament into a DoN hold-em game. They still play for first where they can and have donked away a chip lead that is big enough to cash by folding. We are not even talking about a different game just a different payout structure.

I do like these players though! Thanks to anyone who is one of em.
 
PokerFishin

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I love playing 8-game on PS even though it is for Play Money, because I am in the states. I play HORSE every now and again, but when I play for money it is usually Hold'em, because as many have said before, it is much easier to find a game.
 
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