We can freely say that 2018. was an “experimental year” for PokerStars. This time on the menu is the Pokerstars Fusion.  This is an innovative poker format that mixes elements of two of the most popular games around: Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

It is already available in the lobby under Cash Games. PokerStars Fusion sees you start with two hole cards – just like in Texas Hold’em – but as the hand continues you’ll receive more. If you play through to the river you’ll have four hole cards and five community cards. Out of this, you make your best five-card hand. Just like in Omaha, you’ll need to use exactly two cards from your hand and three from the board.

The Rules of PokerStars Fusion

 It is a Pot Limit, meaning the maximum bet at any time may not exceed the size of the pot. At the start of each hand, players are dealt two hole cards. Before the flop, the game plays identically to Texas Hold’em. Another similarity to Texas Hold’em is that board cards will come as a FLOP, TURN and RIVER. There is a betting round with every street. 

When the flop is dealt, players still in the hand receive a third hole card. Remaining players on the turn then receive a fourth and final hole card. Players do not receive another hole card when the river is dealt.

At showdown, players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to make the best five-card poker hand (the software will automatically select the best hand you can make using the cards you hold at showdown).

To start playing PokerStars Fusion, all you need to do is choose the game and stake that you want to play. If no seat is immediately available, you’ll be on a waiting list.

There may be a minimum number of hands that you must play before you can sit out or leave. Time penalties are cumulative and should rarely impact most players.

If you would like to try out this new format, but you still don’t have a PokerStars account, register with YourPokerCash and get $600 welcome bonus!