Poker is one of the most widely recognised and popular card games in the world. Go to any online casino and you will find a multitude of different poker variations available to play. While Texas Hold’Em is still the most played version of the game, 5 Card Draw is a classic among players and is particularly popular among newcomers, with the game’s simple set-up making it a lot easier to adjust to.
5 Card Draw is one of the most straightforward versions of the game available, and is one of the first games people play when they learn how to play poker. In this guide to 5 Card Draw, we will break down the rules of the game, the betting rounds, the hand rankings, and more.
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What is 5 Card Draw Poker?
As its name suggests, 5 Card Draw Poker involves players using just five cards. At the start of the game, each player is dealt five cards which they then have the opportunity to discard and swap with the next cards on the deck.
The game has just two rounds - one before the draw where all cards are dealt and players can swap and discard cards, and one where players reveal their hands to determine which is the best.
Game Rules in 5 Card Draw Poker
Game Rules
The game rules in 5 Card Draw Poker are very simple to understand, making it the ideal game for players who are new and want to learn how to play poker. Let’s take a look at how the game works step by step:
Ante or Blinds: This works similarly to other poker games. Before cards are dealt, players contribute a small amount to the pot. This can either be an ‘ante’ where everyone enters the same amount, or ‘blinds’, which are larger bets that are paid by specific players, typically the players left of the dealer.
The Deal: Each player is dealt five cards face down.
First Betting Round: Once players have checked their cards, they can then play their first betting round. They have four playing options:
- Fold: The player does not put any money in the pot and forfeits their hand.
- Call: The player matches the amount of the previous bet.
- Raise: The player increases the bet.
- Check: No money is played and the action is passed onto the next player.
The Draw: Providing more than one player remains, players will then enter the draw round. This involves discarding and picking up cards in an attempt to make your hand better. The number of cards you can draw and discard will vary depending on which sites you are playing at. The best poker site will provide more options.
Second Betting Round: Once all players are satisfied with their draw, another betting round will take place. The same options will exist as they did in the first betting round.
Showdown: Players will now reveal their hands, with the best hand taking the pot.
5 Card Draw Hand Rankings
5 Card Draw Hand Rankings
5 Card Draw Poker uses the same hand rankings as traditional poker games. These are as follows, ranked from highest to lowest.
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five cards in sequence of the same suit, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in matching suits.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank - for example, four sevens.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. For example, 2, 4, 5, 9, Q, in matching suits.
- Straight: Five cards in sequence, but not of the same suit. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in different suits.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank. For example - three 8s.
- Two Pair: Two matching cards of one rank, and two of another. For example, 7, 7, K, K.
- One Pair: One matching pair of cards. For example, two sixes.
- High Card: If no player has any of the above ranks, the player with the highest individual card rank in their wins.
Where to play 5 Card Draw Poker
As we have mentioned throughout this 5 Card Draw Poker guide, the game’s popularity is largely down to how easy it is to play. Due to this, 5 Card Draw Poker can be found at many of the best poker sites online. If you are looking for the best poker site to play 5 Card Draw Poker, we recommend checking out some of our online casino reviews right here at Gambling Zone.
