Dealer’s Choice is a unique poker game format where the dealer for each hand selects which poker variant will be played. This format is popular in home games, offering variety and excitement as players get to play multiple poker variants in a single session.
How Dealer’s Choice Works
In a typical Dealer’s Choice game, the dealer button rotates around the table just like in other poker formats. However, instead of only dealing Texas Hold’em or Omaha, the player acting as the dealer for that hand gets to choose the game. The chosen variant is then played for the duration of that hand, and the dealer button moves to the next player afterward.
Common Variants in Dealer’s Choice
While any poker variant can technically be chosen, the most popular games in a Dealer’s Choice setting include:
- Texas Hold’em: The most popular poker game worldwide.
- Omaha Hi or Hi/Lo: Another community card game where players get four hole cards.
- Seven-Card Stud: A non-community card game where players receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards.
- Razz: A lowball variant of Stud where the lowest hand wins.
- Crazy Pineapple: A variation of Hold’em where players start with three cards and must discard one after the flop.
Dealer’s Choice in Home Games vs. Casinos
- Home Games: Dealer’s Choice is most commonly played in informal settings among friends, where players rotate as the dealer and can pick a new game each time it’s their turn. It creates a fun, light-hearted atmosphere where players can mix up familiar games with lesser-known variants.
- Casino or Cardrooms: Dealer’s Choice games are less common in casino settings, but you might find them in high-stakes mixed game formats or during private games. In such cases, the rules are often more structured, with a predefined list of games from which the dealer can choose.
Advantages of Dealer’s Choice
- Variety: Instead of playing the same game for hours, players get to try out a range of poker variants, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
- Skill Exposure: Players are exposed to a variety of games, testing different skills and strategies across different poker variants.
- Fun and Strategy: Some players may choose games they excel at or think will disadvantage their opponents, adding a layer of strategic depth to the game selection itself.
Example of a Dealer’s Choice Round
Imagine a game with six players. On Player A’s turn as the dealer, they choose to play Omaha Hi/Lo. The game proceeds with Omaha Hi/Lo rules for that hand. On the next hand, Player B might select Seven-Card Stud, and the game switches accordingly.
Conclusion
Dealer’s Choice offers a dynamic, entertaining way to play poker, allowing players to showcase their skills across a wide range of games. It’s a flexible format often used in home games, making for a fun and varied poker experience.
