Top 3 Online Poker Games to Play in 2018

Poker is one of those classics that's always likely to stay popular with both experienced and amateur gamblers thanks to its perfect mix of skill, luck and personality. The huge potential wins probably help as well. While you can certainly win big at online poker and even forge a career out of it if you're good enough, it's a thrilling and satisfying game to play regardless of whether there's money involved.
Having said that, there's more than one type of game and finding one you like (or one that isn't too complicated if you're just starting out) can be a little bit intimidating. Don’t worry though: whether you're just dipping your feet into the world of online poker or are already familiar with a few types of the game but are looking for something new, here's a rundown of the best poker games to play in 2018.
3. Stud

7 card Stud is actually one of the most traditional forms of poker there is and it has surged in popularity in recent years too. There are quite a few variations on the rules, so it will depend which particular online casino you play at, but the basics are as follows:
How to Play
- Each player is dealt three cards, with two face up. This is also known as Third Street.
- The first round of betting starts, usually with the player who has the lowest upcard.
- After the first round of betting, all players are dealt another round of face-up cards (also called Fourth Street).
- A second round of betting starts. If any players have a pair in their face-up cards, then betting at multiples is allowed, at the highest or lowest stake of the table.
- There are two more rounds of cards single face-up cards dealt, followed by another round of betting (Fifth and Sixth Street).
- The final round called the River starts and players are given one final face-down card.
- Next is the Showdown, where all players reveal their cards, with the best five-card hand taking the pot.
2. Open Faced Chinese Poker

It's a little less common than many other forms, but Open Faced Chinese Poker is quickly gaining traction in the online community. Here's how to play:
How to Play
- Each player takes it in turns to draw a card from the deck. No bets are taken, but games are played by a points system agreed by players.
- All player cards are arranged into three decks: top, middle and bottom.
- Players then compare all their hands, which are then scored and compared as standard poker hands.
- The highest scoring hand then wins. Note that the point system can be changed to make it harder or easier to make a scoring hand, although many online games will have this fixed to a degree.
1. Texas Hold'em

If you mention poker to someone, chances are they'll have heard of Texas Hold'em. It's just as popular today as it's ever been. Not only that, it's very easy to find Texas Hold'em games as almost all online casinos have them in one form or another. The basics are as follows:
How to Play
- Each player is dealt two face-down cards, followed by a round of betting.
- Once betting has finished, three shared cards get dealt face up in the middle of the table. This is also called the flop.
- Another round of betting follows the flop.
- A fourth card (also called the turn) is dealt, followed by another round of betting.
- The fifth and final card, (called the River) is dealt and followed by a final round of betting.
- The goal is to make the best possible five-card hand from the flop and your face-down cards, which are also called hole cards.
While the above games are definitely some of the most interesting and fun variants of poker to play this year, there are many more. Pot Limit Omaha is worth a mention, mainly because if you want to win big, this is the game to play thanks to the potentially massive pots. There's also 8-Game Mixed, which is a favourite of professional players.
There are lots of varieties of this though, making it quite complicated. Whatever type of poker you prefer, it's always worth remembering that you can enjoy a good game without having to wager anything. If you're just starting then this is even more applicable – find poker sites that let you play free hands to get the hang of it.
Recommended Poker Sites
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18+ | UK new players only. Deposit bonus (equals to 200% up to 1,000$): Full T&C's apply • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days. BeGambleAware - Full Terms Apply.'Online Poker Operator of the Year' 2022Unique BLAST & SNAP Fast-Fold GamesSatellites to Exclusive Online XL SeriesBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
1-3 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
YesHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
YesWith over 10 million registered members, 888poker is one of the world’s largest poker networks and they also have their own live circuit featuring some of the most prestigious poker events in the world, with destinations such as London, Barcelona and Bucharest. -
18+. UK. New players only. Deposit min £10 to get 100% deposit bonus (up to £400). Must accumulate 4 x deposit bonus in points to release in full, within 90 days. Bonus is released in 10% increments. Additional £70 credited as P$ and tickets (credited over 9 days). Restrictions and T&Cs apply.Official Partner of F1 McLaren Racing TeamPoker Ambassadors Kevin Hart & Carl FrochEarn up to 40% Cashback Every WeekBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
1-2 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
YesHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
YesOne of the pioneers of online poker, PartyPoker was once the world’s biggest poker site and they still host huge online tournaments such as the prestigious MILLIONS series - with a $1million guaranteed main event, plus satellites to PartyPoker live events. -
New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. Extra Spins: on Double Bubble. Spins value: 20p each. Bingo: Advertised ticket value based on £1 tickets. Game availability & restrictions apply. 18+. **£10 lifetime deposit required. #Ad, BeGambleAware.org'Wild Seat Poker' Texas Hold'em GameInstant Play Software (No Download Required)Poker Tutorial Videos to Improve Your PlayBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
24 HoursRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
NoWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
NoDouble Bubble Poker is a fun place for beginners with a friendly interface, welcoming hosts and pocket-friendly tournament entry fees starting at just £0.01. -
First-time depositors only. Min. deposit £10 with Bonus Code ‘STARS400’. Play on any real money table on the site within 120 days after making eligible deposit. Bonus released in £5 instalments every 100 redemption points. Terms apply.Owner & Sponsor of the European Poker TourOfficial Partner of the Red Bull F1 Racing TeamSigned Neymar Jr as 'Cultural Ambassador'Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
3-5 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
YesPokerStars host some of the biggest online poker tournaments including the famous Sunday Million which has a $1million guaranteed prize pool, plus exclusive satellites to the European Poker Tour. -
18+. T&Cs apply. New Customers Only. £20 extra = one cash game ticket of €8 and 4 x UK Tour tournament tickets of €4. £500 Playthrough bonus = €600. Both bonuses are activated upon first deposit from the poker client. Tickets expire after 35 days and the playthrough bonus after 60. £1 GBP = €1.1875. Selected games only. BeGambleaware.org. - Full Terms ApplyUnique Software & Independent NetworkQualifiers to Live Unibet Open Tournaments'Online Poker Operator of the Year' 2021Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
3-5 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
NoUnibet Poker runs on proprietary software that allows you to change your online poker alias three times a day. They host exclusive satellites to the Unibet Open - a series of live €1,000 poker tournaments held around Europe. -
18+. T&C ApplyOnline Home of the Grosvenor UK Poker TourQualify for 'National Poker League' Events'Loyalty Club' - Earn Up To 40% RakebackBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
1-3 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
YesGrosvenor Poker can reasonably be called the home of UK poker, with exclusive satellites to live events taking place at Grosvenor Casinos across England, Scotland & Wales, including the GUKPT and the biggest live poker tournament in Europe - the Goliath. -
18+. New customers only. Nickname required. £10+ deposit = 5 x £5 tickets and 30 x £50 freeroll tickets. £10+ deposit = 100% pending bonus. Max £200 bonus. Bonus released with point accumulation. 90 days to accumulate points. £5 Tokens valid for 14 days. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org - Full Terms ApplySit & Go Leaderboards with Daily PrizesMyGame Whiz - Personal Poker CoachUp To 40% Automated Weekly CashbackBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
3-5 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
NoAt Coral Poker you can qualify for big online and live poker tournaments, including the Irish Open and UK Grand Prix, plus the high roller MILLIONS tournament series. -
€365 bonus is redeemed in instalments based on Status Points earned. Tickets and prize wheel spins expire after seven days. Time limits, exclusions and T&Cs apply. For more information about this offer please visit the website. 18+. New players only. Registration Required. Gamble responsibly. http://www.gamblingcare.ie/. - Full Terms Apply80 Million Customers in Over 150 CountriesRegular Tournament Series EventsTwister Sit & Go's with Jackpot Prize-PoolsBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
1-3 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
NoHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
NoBet365 Poker offer regular Cash Games, Sit & Gos & Tournaments, plus premium tables where you'll play exclusively against Bet365 players only. They also provide 24/7 customer support. -
18+ T&Cs Apply. Welcome Bonus promotion for new players only; minimum deposit required. Please Play Responsibly. www.begambleaware.orgLargest Online Poker Site in the WorldWorld Series of Poker™ Official PartnerExternal Tools & Tracking Software BlockedBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time
1-3 Working DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?
YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?
YesHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?
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