Belgium 
Canada 
China 
Germany 
Denmark 
Spain 
France 
United Kingdom 
Croatia 
Ireland 
Italy 
Japan 
Korea 
Netherlands 
Poland 
Romania 
Serbia 
Russian Federation 
Sweden 
Thailand 
United States 
Vietnam 
We truly live in the age of choice when it comes to games. This applies to brand new options like the latest video games, but also classic strategy and card games. Poker’s nuanced and interesting mix of strategy means that there is quite a lot of crossover with other games.
People who like things to test their skills with people reading may be drawn to certain forms of games, while others are big fans of card games all around.
Poker has been a staple in both physical and online casinos for decades, and actually has a lot of different varieties that people can play. But when people want to explore some different options or game dynamics, there are similar options out there that can pair nicely with Poker.
Other Forms of Poker
Texas Hold'em might be the most popular of all forms of online poker, but there are many. Omaha or other Stud-style poker games remain an option, and different types of poker have different levels of skill and strategy.
Somebody who is used to one form of online poker might find that others provide a bit of flavor or a break from the norm. Even within the Hold’em world, there are both cash games and tournaments. This means that people can play the same game in slightly different ways. They both take on their own sort of dynamic.
Poker players might enjoy trying other games that challenge their minds in similar ways. From strategy-based board games to abstract games that require deep thinking, there are plenty of options for those who love the intellectual challenge that poker provides.
With so many varieties, there are even differences within the way people play – things like the value of the chips can even vary from one game to the other.
Go
One game that poker players might find intriguing is Go. It is certainly hard to find another game with so much history – this is an ancient strategy game originating in China. At its core, Go is a game of territory control. The goal is to capture the opponent’s stones while surrounding as much of the board as possible. It’s often compared to poker because of the emphasis on long-term strategy and reading the opponent.
Go involves calculating risks against an opponent and trying to read what they are doing. This is a huge similarity with the poker game.
Players take turns placing black or white stones on a grid and try to form groups that can encircle and capture the opponent’s pieces. The more controlled territory a player has, the more points they gain. Go is a game that can take years to master – this is another parallel with poker; it’s all about thinking ahead and predicting how your opponent will respond. The similarity lies in the mental stamina required and the ability to think several steps ahead. Players need to avoid the sort of emotional decisions that poker fans call Tilt.
The simplicity of the rules belies the complexity of the game. The cerebral challenge Go provides has entertained for centuries. This is a game of pure strategic thinking.
Backgammon
Another game that poker players might explore is backgammon. While backgammon involves a dice roll that introduces an element of chance, the overall game is highly strategic. This makes it similar to poker in many ways.
Backgammon requires players to think ahead and read their opponent’s strategies. Players take turns rolling dice to move their pieces around the board, aiming to be the first to bear off all their pieces. Even though dice rolls determine movement, the game still requires a great deal of strategic thinking. This is especially true when it comes to deciding which pieces to move and when.
The comparison to poker comes in the form of risk management and calculating odds. In backgammon, players are constantly weighing the odds of rolling a certain number on the dice.
Chess
A lot of people will think of this straight away when considering games that involve strategy. The parallels are pretty obvious. Plus, this is another game with a huge history.
Chess remains one of the most famous and widely played games in the world. Players move various pieces across a board with the goal of checkmating the opponent’s king. Each piece has its own unique way of moving, and the game requires deep tactical thinking and foresight.
The ability to calculate future moves in both games is essential. In chess, players often think several moves ahead. This could even help to flex the same intellectual muscles as poker. Poker players accustomed to playing under pressure might appreciate the intensity of chess, where every move matters and the consequences of a single mistake can be catastrophic.
Conclusion
All of these games offer something slightly different for players. Poker itself has a huge amount to explore, but if people want to flex their intellect in other games, these are further options.
