Faldo Says “Yay” or “Nay” to Common Dealer’s Choice Games – Part XII

There are other poker games besides what is dealt in casinos and tournaments. The casino games are there because of their speed and simplicity in dealing. More hands equal more rake for the house.

But there are some fun, entertaining and challenging poker games you can deal in a home game, which make you have to think outside “the flop” sometimes.

The description of the following games in this series is Faldo’s opinion only. Other may like my take on a game and some will not. That’s fine. It’s all good. Here we go:

Seven – Twenty Seven or Two – Twenty Two

“This ain’t even poker” is what you will hear if someone deals this game. It may not be poker, but bluffing, strategic betting and position all play a role.

Each player receives one down card and one up card. You are trying to get the closest to 7 or 27 in pip count. Aces count as 1 or 11, face cards are a 1/2, and the rest of the cards speak for themselves.

A betting round ensues after the first two cards are served up. Then the option is give to each player as to whether or not they want another card. After everyone has the option, there is another betting round.

This continues until every player has ‘passed’ adding a card – twice in a row.

Most of the time this game is played where if you go over the top number (27 or 22) you must fold your hand. Some of the time it is dealt where you are allowed to go over the high number and still be in the hand. Remember, it’s dealer’s choice.

Also, a few people play the game where you have to have at least a 7 for low. In other words, 6 ½ or 6 is not a legal hand. Now, I had never heard of this variation, but it was sprung on me at a game where I was a first time visitor. And naturally, I learned the hard way as my 6 ½ lost the entire pot to the other guy’s 25, because my hand was dead.

Faldo says “Yay” to this game. But please explain all the rules - or ask! (twss)

Seven Card Flip

This game plays the same as Seven Card Stud, but the deal is different.

Every player is dealt 4 cards and it is the player’s choice as to which two he flips up. This conceals hands and takes out one street of betting.

Faldo says “Yay”.