#28: Hold’em Is Just The Beginning

#28: Hold’em Is Just The Beginning

If No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) is the cricket of poker—tremendously popular, widely played, and the starting point for many players—then the other poker variations are like the kabaddi, football, or hockey of the game in India. Sure, they are less popular, but they are packed with full of depth, excitement, and unique strategy. And just like a true sports lover doesn’t restrict themselves to watching only one sport, a true poker enthusiast should discover the entire range of all formats of poker.

Why stay in one lane when you can explore the whole highway?

There’s a certain comfort in sticking to Hold’em as it is familiar and fast. And hey, the action is great, but here is the catch: if you never step out of your comfort zone, you will be missing out on opportunities for skills and financial gain. Different poker formats offer fresh and new challenges, different strategies, and new perspectives on the game. And guess what? This is true in corporate lives and careers too as well. Similarly, if you're looking at building new habits like networking, working out, studying, and more.

For instance, consider Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO); it’s like Hold’em on steroids with four-hole cards instead of two. You’ve got more outs, bigger swings, and greater complexity. It's not just about the nuts—it's about redrawing the nuts and blockers. If Hold’em is a sprint, then PLO is a rollercoaster.

Then there’s 7-Card Stud—a slower, more logical game where memory, observation, and long-term planning take the front seat. Or consider Razz, the oddball cousin in which the lowest hand wins and folding kings becomes second nature. These variations improve a variety of skills: discipline, recall, hand reading, and patience. And that’s gold for any serious gamer. We know that 7-Card Stud, Razz, and others aren't at all popular in India, but hey, why not explore and have a little fun?

Sharpen your overall poker IQ

Learning new formats isn't just about variety—it actively improves your poker brain. Understanding equity in PLO helps you improve your board-reading in Hold’em. Playing Stud teaches discipline and hand-tracking skill. Even playing Limit games can help you gain a new perspective on bet sizing and pot control. Similar to cross-training for athletes, these formats strengthen the mental muscles you might not use as often in your usual game.

Spice up the grind

Let’s be honest, grinding the same NLHE MTTs or cash games on a daily basis can become monotonous. Switching up formats keeps the game interesting. It reignites that spark you felt when you first learned poker—the curiosity, the challenge, and the “aha!” moments. That renewed excitement can spill over into your Hold’em game too.

The Indian poker scene is catching up

In India, NLHE still rules the online and live rooms, but the interest in PLO is growing rapidly. Some platforms are now regularly offering mixed games, short deck formats, and even 5-card and 6-card PLO. Learning these formats now puts you ahead of the curve, giving you a competitive advantage while others are still figuring out

Final thought? Be the player who takes risks.

Don’t be the only poker player who knows Hold’em. Be the player who understands poker. Try new formats, watch tutorials, and play mixed games—even at micro stakes, or FREE. You’ll have more fun, learn new skills, and discover that there’s a whole universe of poker out there waiting to be explored.

Until next week—play smart, play bold, and never stop learning.

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