How To Play 5 Card Draw

BASICS

1. Objective

The goal is to have the best five-card hand at showdown or to bluff opponents into folding.

2. Setup

• Typically played with 2-6 players.
• Uses a standard 52-card deck.
• Players place antes (or blinds in some variations).

3. Gameplay/Stages

Step 1: The Deal

• Each player is dealt five cards face-down.

Step 2: First Betting Round

• The player to the left of the dealer starts the betting.
• Players can check, bet, call, raise, or fold, depending on prior action.

Step 3: The Draw

• Players can discard 0 to 5 cards and receive replacements from the deck.
• Some versions limit discards to 3 cards, except when replacing an Ace.

Step 4: Second Betting Round

• Another round of betting occurs, starting with the player to the dealer's left.

Step 5: Showdown

• If more than one player remains after betting, they reveal their hands.
• The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.

4. Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)

1. Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, all same suit)
2. Straight Flush (Five consecutive cards, same suit)
3. Four of a Kind (Four cards of the same rank)
4. Full House (Three of a kind + a pair)
5. Flush (Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence)
6. Straight (Five consecutive cards, mixed suits)
7. Three of a Kind (Three cards of the same rank)
8. Two Pair (Two different pairs)
9. One Pair (One pair of matching cards)
10. High Card (No pairs, ranked by highest card)

5. Strategy Tips

• Only keep strong starting hands (pairs, high cards, or potential straights/flushes).
• Don’t draw too many cards unless you’re on a strong draw.
• Bluff carefully—since there’s only one draw, experienced players can spot bluffs.
• Pay attention to opponent behavior (who draws how many cards).

Quick Summary (Strongest to Weakest)

♠ Royal Flush
♠ Straight Flush
♠ Four of a Kind
♠ Full House
♠ Flush
♠ Straight
♠ Three of a Kind
♠ Two Pair
♠ One Pair
♠ High Card

Printable PDF

Gameplay Terminology

• CHECK:  Pass action w/o betting (can only be done if the person(s) before you also "checked".  If they bet you must call or fold.
• BET:  Place the initial bet.
• CALL:  Match the current Bet.
• RAISE:  Increase the current Bet.
• FOLD:  Exit the hand, Forfeiting.