Draw Poker Rules
Draw poker is the most basic form of poker; it’s poker with none of the toppings. As such, this is the poker variation to start with for a beginning poker player. This is actually a rather uncommon game these days, especially in casinos, but it’s the game from which all other poker games were born.
Draw poker rules are rather straightforward. The basic objective of the game is to build the highest ranking hand with five cards. The game begins with players being dealt five cards, and after the initial round of betting, players may discard some or all of their cards and receive replacements from the dealer. All cards are dealt and discarded face down, so as to keep players from gaining information about each others’ hands. Cards should never be revealed until the end of the game, and even then, only if necessary.
There are no wild cards in draw poker and all suits are ranked equally.
The Play
A poker round begins by deciding who the dealer is. After this person deals, the person to the left of them deals next. Before play begins each player pays an "ante", a small fee you pay to play that hand. After the five cards are dealt, players pick up their cards and assess their hand. The person to the left of the dealer begins the betting round by either placing a bet, passing, or folding. The next player to the left of them must then decide to do one of these. If the previous player passed, they may also pass, or they may place a bet. However, if the previous player bet, they must either call that bet by placing an equal amount in, or they may raise that bet by placing more money or chips on the line.
When the play makes its way back to the dealer and the dealer has placed their bet, the other players have the option of either calling any outstanding bets or folding. No raises are permitted once the betting has passed back around to the dealer.
Discarding and Replacing
At this point, players still in the game may discard any or all of their cards in order to build a better hand. Starting on their left, the dealer then deals each player replacement cards.
The Second Round
A second round of betting now takes place. Betting proceeds around the table as before, the dealer again getting the final play. At this point, everyone must either call or fold. Now it’s time for the showdown. If, however, there is ever only one person left in the game, they are the winner and they take the pot. This player should keep their cards hidden and give them face down to the dealer so as not to reveal strategy.
The Showdown
After the final betting round, and after all the calls and folds have been made, any players left in the game reveal their hands. At this point, the best hand wins and the winner takes the pot.
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