Beyond the River Card: Unconventional Poker Games from Around the World

Unconventional Poker Games from Around the World: A Deep Dive into Global Variants

Poker is far more than what you see on the tables of Texas Hold’em and Omaha. As highlighted on the Bluffing Monkeys, the game has evolved globally, taking on many forms shaped by regional traditions, player preferences, and cultural gaming styles. These global adaptations show just how versatile and creative the poker world truly is.

Across various regions, you will find games that bend the familiar rules, introduce new hand rankings, and challenge even experienced players to think differently. Many of these unique formats have grown in popularity and can also be found curated within our Club List section, giving players a chance to explore formats beyond the classics.

Below, we explore some of the most fascinating unconventional poker games played around the world each offering a fresh layer of strategy and entertainment.

Soko (Canadian Stud or Scandinavian Stud)

Originating in Scandinavia and widely played in Canada, Soko is an exciting variant of five-card stud poker.
What makes Soko stand out are its additional hand rankings, such as the four-card straight and four-card flush, often called Canadian Straights.

These new hand possibilities force players to rethink traditional strategies and make room for creative decision-making. Soko is ideal for players who enjoy classic stud poker but want a game with more dynamic outcomes.

Telesina (Italian Poker)

A staple in Italy, Telesina is similar to five-card stud but uses a stripped deck typically 32 to 36 cards depending on player count.
A defining feature of Telesina is its single community card, which adds a strategic twist to a format usually based purely on individual upcards.

With its compact deck and shared card, Telesina delivers fast-paced action and intriguing betting situations, making it a favorite among European poker enthusiasts. If you enjoy exploring unique formats that blend culture and gameplay, don’t miss our guide on the Poker Lifestyle and Travel at Bluffing Monkeys

Badugi (Korean Poker)

Badugi is a distinctive draw poker variant from Korea that flips traditional hand rankings upside down.
The goal is to form the best four-card lowball hand, with all four cards of different suits and no pairs.

Players get three drawing rounds, making Badugi both tactical and psychological.
Because perfect Badugi hands are rare, players often rely on subtle reads, timing, and emotional resilience. If you’re working on strengthening your mindset and composure at the tables, explore our guide on building confidence after a downswing:

Manila (Philippine Poker)

Popular in Asia and Australia, Manila or Seven-Up Poker uses a 32-card deck, removing all cards below a seven.
Players receive two hole cards, and five community cards are placed face down and revealed one by one, with betting after each reveal.

The smaller deck dramatically shifts odds, creating more aggressive play and stronger average holdings.
Manila appeals to players who prefer fast-moving games with high-impact decision-making.

Pineapple Poker

Pineapple starts like Texas Hold’em, but each player receives three hole cards instead of two.
The twist? One card must be discarded either:

• Before the flop (Standard Pineapple)

• After the flop betting round (Crazy Pineapple)

• After the river (Lazy Pineapple / Tahoe)

This simple rule changes everything hand ranges widen, bluffing spots open, and players must balance creativity with discipline.
Pineapple is perfect for Hold’em fans who want more complexity and hand variety.

Courchevel (Five-Card Omaha)

Courchevel is a European favorite and a thrilling twist on Omaha.
Players receive five hole cards, and uniquely, the first flop card is revealed before the first betting round.

This early information drastically alters pre-flop strategy and creates dynamic pot developments.
Courchevel is commonly played as high-low split, adding even more depth as players evaluate which hands can capture one or both halves of the pot.

Razz

Razz is a lowball version of seven-card stud where the objective is to make the lowest possible five-card hand.
Here, the “worst” hands in traditional poker become the best hands in Razz.

The lack of hand hierarchy reversal forces players to adjust their mindset and reevaluate cards that are normally considered weak.
Razz is ideal for players who enjoy strategy, patience, and a complete shift from high-hand poker dynamics.

Conclusion

Poker’s global diversity is one of its greatest strengths. These unconventional poker variants show how different cultures have reimagined the core principles of the game, introducing new rules, new hand rankings, and entirely new strategies.

Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or a curious newcomer, exploring these lesser-known games can broaden your understanding of poker and sharpen your strategic instincts. Each game offers a fresh challenge and a reminder that poker is not just a single game but a worldwide phenomenon with endless possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes these unconventional poker games different from Texas Hold’em or Omaha?

These variants introduce unique rules, deck sizes, hand rankings, or betting structures that significantly change gameplay and strategy. They offer a refreshing alternative to traditional formats.

2. Are these global poker variants difficult to learn?

Most are easy to learn but take time to master, especially games like Badugi or Courchevel, which require different thinking from standard poker strategies.

3. Can beginners try these unconventional poker games?

Yes. Many of these games such as Pineapple or Manila are beginner-friendly and enjoyable for casual players, while still offering depth for more experienced players.

4. Which unconventional poker game is best for strategy-focused players?

Badugi and Courchevel are often preferred by players who enjoy high-level strategy, range analysis, and psychological play.

5. Where can I find groups or clubs that play these rare poker variants?

Many poker communities and online platforms host special-interest groups. You can also check platforms listed on our Club List page, where unique and global poker formats may be available.