Secrets of Poker
5-Card Draw Poker 101
5-card draw is a lesser-known poker variation but is the basis for new poker variations. In fact, the popular game called video poker is based on 5-card draw poker. 5-card draw poker is rarely found in online and land-based casinos but is very important to learn and understand if you want to win in most poker variations.
5-card draw poker starts with all players at the table placing their opening bets or "ante" into the pot. The dealer then deals each player five cards each, face down. The player to the left side of the dealer now begins the first round of betting, opting to bet, check or fold. If this player chooses to bet, the next player cannot check but can only fold, call or raise.
At the end of the first betting round, the remaining player can opt to discard and replace any and up to four cards, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. The players who want to replace their cards remove the cards from his hand and give them to the dealer, who then allows them to draw cards to replace the discarded ones.
A valuable tactic in replacing your cards is to draw from none to 3 cards. You don't want to draw four cards for this will make other players think that your remaining card is an ace. On the other hand, drawing no cards, also known as a "pat," will give the impression of strength. You can also opt not to draw any cards to bluff and make your opponents think that you have a strong hand. This can be effective if you want to force your opponents to fold.
After the drawing of cards, the second round of betting starts also beginning with the player to the dealer's left. After this round, the remaining players lay down their cards to determine which hand is the winner.
5-card draw poker is easier to play than Texas Hold'em poker, and is an exciting game due to the secrecy of the hands as all cards are hidden until the very hand. The secrecy makes it difficult to "read" hands or to guess your opponents' cards. However, you can still pick up clues by knowing your opponents' tells, the bet amounts, the number of cards drawn and the bluffs. Knowing and making educated guesses on these clues will greatly improve your chances of winning in 5-card draw poker.
