These days Texas Hold’em is viewed by many poker players, online and off, as the end-all be-all of poker variations. It is the primary game in most poker tournaments, it is featured in films and television shows. In the world of poker, Texas Hold’em is clearly King.

Texas Hold’em was the first game I played, as that was the game of choice at poker night with my buddies. But when I started playing poker online I thought I’d try a change. After all, it can start to get old playing the same game time after time. If you want to switch to the only slightly less popular Omaha Hi-Lo, Caribbean Stud, 5-Card Poker, something more rare like Crazy Pineapple or another poker variation it will take a little work, but its good to put a little variety in your life.

The first thing you should do when switching to a different poker variation is study up on the rules and strategy. Having a comprehensive understanding of a game’s rules and strategy is the key to success. Remember that strategy varies from poker game to poker game. A starting hand that is great in Texas Hold’em may be only so-so or not good at all in another poker variation.

When you are ready to play, consider dropping down a few levels in the stakes department, or even try a free game. When starting out with a new game you’ll have to work your way back up to the top.