Would a new variant make you the next Tom Dwan?(credit:
globalgamingbusiness)
The twoplustwo forums never fail to conjure up a debate. The stagnation of the Hold’em market, lunacy and sick swings associated with PLO, and unavailability of populated Stud games across many online networks begs the question – what about a new poker variant?
Poker will always be profitable for certain individuals, who obey fundamental math and develop sound strategy, however the availability of tracking software, coaching sites and poker literature is narrowing the gap between the sharks and fish.
No Limit Hold’em is the most saturated market. Coaching sites such as Cardrunners and Deuces Cracked offer near-perfect strategy tips, with a roster of dedicated pros such as Brian ‘sbrugby’ Townsend and Taylor Caby providing enlightenment. Doyle Brunson’s Super System, seen as the Holy Grail of poker literature, offers a solid introduction to the game. Esteemed poker authors such as David Sklansky and Dan Harrington have all contributed heavily.
No Limit Hold’em games are far tighter than a few years ago, with more bonus-whoring nits adopting a very TAG style. Tracking tools such as Pokertracker and Hold’em Manager provide figures such as player VPIP and pre-flop raise rate, enabling players to make decisions accordingly. Critics would argue it is how the individual interprets the stats, that separates them from the rest.
Many disillusioned Hold’em players are turning their attention to Pot Limit Omaha. In terms of worldwide appeal, the variant is still in its infancy, although it is the game of choice for Full Tilt Poker pros.
With no optimum strategy as such, and the chance to ‘spin up’ ludicrous amounts of money in a single session, shrewd players view it as a window of opportunity. However, there is something quite perturbing about the volatility of the game, and how quickly it can obliterate a bankroll. No hand is a major favourite against another pre-flop, and even when all the chips are in, it’s rare a player is ever more than a 65 per cent favourite. For some people, the variant is a bastion of degeneracy.
This begs the question – is there a need for a game more skilful than Texas Hold’em, but less volatile than PLO? Scanning the twoplustwo forums, players are suggesting a Hold’em / Stud hybrid, with the option of drawing a third card. Another suggestion is a blend between PLO and Hold’em, sometimes referred to as Pineapple, where players are dealt three cards pre-flop.
The problem is, a new variant isn’t really practical. For it to ‘boom’, it would require the kind of media attention the likes of ESPN have devoted to Texas Hold’em. The beauty of Hold’em is its simplicity. Furthermore, a more ‘skilful’ variant, where a professional edge is more noticeable, would deter weaker players from investing money. The whole idea of Hold’em is that fish can be short-term winners.
You can join in the debate yourself here.