If you’re new to poker, one of the easiest games to learn is 5 Card Draw. It’s a simple game that doesn’t require too much strategizing and it’s a great way to get started on your poker journey. In this article, we’ll be discussing the rules of 5 Card Draw Poker.
The Objective:
The objective of 5 Card Draw Poker is to win the pot by having the best hand. A hand consists of five cards, and the player who has the highest ranking hand at the end of the game wins.
The Setup:
To start a game of 5 Card Draw Poker, each player will need to ante up. This means that each player will need to place a small bet into the pot before any cards are dealt. Once all players have placed their bets, each player will be dealt five cards face down.
The Betting:
Once all players have been dealt their cards, the first round of betting begins. The player sitting to the left of the dealer will start by placing a bet or checking (if they don’t want to place a bet).
Each player after that can either call (match) their bet or raise (increase) it. If a player doesn’t want to match or raise their bet, they can fold (give up their hand). Once all players have had their turn, the first round of betting ends.
The Drawing:
After betting is complete in round one, each player has an opportunity to discard any number of cards from their hand and draw new ones from the deck in hopes for a better hand in round two. The dealer will begin with the first active player on his or her left and proceed clockwise around the table until all players have discarded and drawn new cards.
The Second Round of Betting:
The second round of betting begins once all players have received their new cards. The player sitting to the left of the dealer will start by placing a bet or checking, just as in the first round of betting.
Each player after that can either call or raise their bet. Once all players have had their turn, the second round of betting ends.
The Showdown:
If there are still two or more players left in the game after the second round of betting, it’s time for the showdown. All remaining players reveal their hands and the player with the highest ranking hand wins.
Hand Rankings:
In 5 Card Draw Poker, hands are ranked in order from highest to lowest as follows:
1. Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10 of one suit
2. Straight Flush – Any five cards in sequence of the same suit
3. Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank
4. Full House – Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank
5. Flush – Any five cards of one suit
6.
Straight – Any five cards in sequence (not necessarily the same suit)
7. Three-of-a-Kind – Three cards of one rank and two unrelated cards
8. Two Pair – Two sets of pairs with unrelated fifth card
9. One Pair – Two cards with matching ranks and three unrelated cards
10. High Card – If no one has any pairs or higher hand rankings then whoever has the highest card wins
Conclusion:
5 Card Draw Poker is an easy game to learn and is great for beginners who are just starting out on their poker journey. By understanding these simple rules and hand rankings, you’ll be able to start playing and enjoying this classic game right away!
