Five Card Draw is one of the oldest and most beloved variants of poker. Unlike community card
games like Texas Hold'em, Five Card Draw is a closed poker game where each player receives five
private cards and has the opportunity to improve their hand through a drawing phase.
Initial Setup and Game Start
Before the cards are dealt, the game begins with forced bets to create action and build the
initial pot:
Ante: Each player posts an ante (a small forced bet to start the pot)
Dealing: Each player receives five cards face down, dealt one at a time
Player Count: Five Card Draw typically accommodates 2-6 players
First Betting Round: Pre-Draw Phase
After posting an ante, each player receives their five cards
Distribution and First Betting Phase
The Draw Phase: Improving Your Hand
Beginning with the player to the dealer's left, each remaining player declares how many cards
they wish to discard and draw:
Stand Pat: Keep all five cards without drawing
Draw 1-5 Cards: Discard unwanted cards and receive the same number of new
cards
Strategic Implications: The number of cards you draw reveals information
about your hand
The Draw Phase in Action
Second Betting Round and Showdown
After all players have completed their draws, the second betting round begins. If two or more players remain after the second betting round, a showdown occurs. Players reveal
their five-card hands, and the player with the highest-ranking poker hand wins the entire pot.
Second Betting Round and Showdown
Game Objective
The primary goal in Five Card Draw Poker is to win the pot by either having the best five-card
poker hand at showdown or by making all other players fold through strategic betting.
Poker Hand Rankings
Understanding hand rankings is crucial for Five Card Draw success. Here are the poker hands from
highest to lowest:
Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence
Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
Two Pair: Two different pairs
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
High Card: When no other hand is made, the highest card wins
Key Strategy Tips
Starting Hand Selection
Focus on playing strong hands like high pairs (Jacks or better), three of a kind, or four cards
to a straight or flush. Fold weak hands early to preserve your chips.
Position Awareness
Late position players have a significant advantage as they act with more information. Use this to
your benefit by playing more aggressively when you're in a late position.
Reading Draw Patterns
Pay attention to how many cards opponents draw. This information can help you estimate their hand
strength and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Playing too many hands - discipline is key
Drawing to inside straights - low probability draws
Ignoring position - position dictates strategy
Predictable play - vary your strategy
Chasing losses - stick to your bankroll management