Five card draw is a draw poker game in which each player is dealt 5 cards. Players will have the option to exchange any number of their cards during the game.

Gameplay

Ante or Blind

Draw may be played with an ante or blind. An ante is more common in home games whereas a blind is more common in casino game.

If playing with blinds the betting rules follow the same pattern. The player to the left of the big blind bets first, and the small blind goes first in subsequent rounds.

In ante games the player to the left of the dealer acts first. In subsequent rounds typically the player who opened in the previous round acts first.

Draw

After the first round of betting each player is allowed, in turn, to discard any number of their cards. Once all players have discarded the dealer will replenish each hand to five cards. This is followed by another round of betting.

In home games it is common to limit the number of cards which may be discarded. Such a rule is needed in games where a large number of players stay in the hand to prevent exhausting the supply of cards. In a casino setting this is not needed as generally few players stay in the hand past the first betting round. Additionally, as they like their cards they will not discard too many of them.

Showdown

After the second betting round the players expose their cards and the player with the best hand wins.