Poker Home Game Variants (Part 1)

Ok, so, here's part 1 of a few "new" or "different" games you guys can include on your regular home games :)

Chinese Poker

The maximum number of players in this game is 4.

In Chinese Poker, each player receives a 13 card hand from a standard 52 card deck. He then has to divide his cards into three Poker hands, two containing five cards each and one three card hand. The only restriction is that both five card hands must outrank the three card hand (Note: straights and flushes do not count in the three card hand). The higher ranking of the five card hands, called the Back hand, is placed face down on the table in front of the player. Then the other five card hand, called the Middle hand, is placed face down in front of the Back hand. Finally, the three card hand, called the Front hand, is placed (again face down) in front of the middle hand. When all four players have set their hands, the cards are turned face up and the deal is scored.

Russian Poker

The maximum number of players in this game is 4. There are no wild cards.

Each player puts an equal amount of chips, usually $1.00, into the pot. Deal 13 cards to each player. Each player makes 3 poker hands, a bottom, a middle, and a top. The bottom hand is made with 3 cards, and the other 2 hands are made of 5 cards. The order of hands for the bottom hand, from highest to lowest, is:

Three-of-a-kind
Pair
High card

Additionally, the middle hand must be able to beat the bottom hand, and the top hand must be able to beat the middle hand.

All players reveal their bottom hand; the highest hand wins 1/4 of the pot.
All players then reveal their middle hand; the highest hand wins 1/2 of the pot.
All players then reveal their top hand; the highest hand wins the last 1/4 of the pot.

So thats the first couple of games you can try for new poker experiences and enjoyment with good friends :)

Have fun all, USC