Game Rules

5 Card Draw

Players' hands consist of five cards dealt to each player, all face down. From these five cards, the player can choose to discard several cards (3 card maximum) and draw the same number of cards to replace them. A player wins by having the highest-ranking hand of five cards.

Each hand can start with eight players or less (if a player runs out of cash, or if you remove players before the deal).

Casino vs. Friday Night game rules

The rules for Casino 5 Card Draw and Friday Night 5 Card Draw are the same, except for the following:

For more details on the differences between betting in Casino and Friday Night games, see Rules for betting in Hoyle Poker.

How play proceeds

Friday Night play begins with each player adding his or her ante to the pot. Each player then receives five cards face down, followed by the first betting interval. In Casino play, a blind open and blind raise are required from the players to the immediate left of the dealer button. In Friday Night play, the right to open passes to each player, starting with the player to the left of the dealer button. Players that stay in choose which (if any) of the five cards they want to discard (3 cards maximum).

The dealer then deals replacement cards to make each players' hand total five cards. The second (and final) betting interval takes place.

After the final betting interval, all players that are still in show their cards. The player with the highest-ranking hand of five cards wins. If hands tie, the pot is split.

In each betting interval, if more than two players are betting, there is a limit of three raises amongst all players. If only two players are in the game, there is no limit.

5 Card Draw strategies

Most of the strategies listed here apply to Draw poker games and their variations.

Pay attention to how players are betting and the number of cards they are drawing.

            If a player draws three cards, the best he or she can have is a pair. If you want three as well, sometimes take two instead and use the third card to fake out the other players (even if you have no use for it).

            If a player draws one card, he or she may be drawing for a straight or a flush, or may already have a good hand, so watch out!

            If a player does not draw any cards (stands pat), you will probably want to have a really good hand to beat it. Of course, the other player may be bluffing.

With eight players at the table, you will usually need a minimum of Two Pair to win.