How to play Five-Card Draw

Objective

Take the pot with the best five-card hand or by inducing all opponents to fold.

Setup

1. 1

   Agree on blinds or antes and deal five cards face down to each player.

2. 2

   Keep all hands private.

How play works

1. 1

   Hold an opening betting round.

2. 2

   Each remaining player discards any number allowed by the table rules and receives replacements.

3. 3

   Hold a final betting round followed by a showdown.

Scoring and winning

1. 1

   The highest standard poker hand wins the pot.

2. 2

   Ties divide the pot. Suits do not break ties.

Rules to settle before play

1. 1

   Many tables cap the draw at three cards unless a player keeps an ace.

2. 2

   State the draw limit before dealing.