I have divided the best-known dealer's-choice games into three categories: Games of draw (closed) poker, games of stud (open) poker, and miscellaneous games which cannot be strictly classified as either closed poker or open poker.

Further subdivisions are indicated in the list below. Specific games can be located in the index. However, you may know certain games under other names. In this case, determine the classification of the game you are interested in and look through the relevant section. You should find either the game itself or a close relative.

Along with the rules for playing each of these games, I will gives pointers on strategy. These tips will necessarily be limited, for two reasons. First, I could not possibly give the complete strategy of each game without writing several books the size of this one. Second, some of the games are local in nature, and are therefore not played nearly as often as the major forms of poker.

The theory of these games has not been developed fully, and in many cases it is difficult to speak with authority. Knowing the best techniques for a particular game is largely a matter of practical experience. It is difficult to gain such experience in games that are not called too often.