Step Two: Learn Five-Card Draw
Five-card draw is the basic game from which all others are derived. First, shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly as each player antes an identical, agreed amount.
- The dealer gives each player five cards, one at a time, in clockwise order starting with the person on the dealer's left.
- After looking at the cards, the person on the dealer's left has several options:
- Fold: Placing their cards face down towards the middle of the table and sitting out the rest of the hand. The cards remain on the table until the hand is finished, and their ante remains in the pot.
- Bet: Placing a wager in the pot. Often, house rules determine minimum and maximum bets.
- Pass: Choosing not to make a wager and allowing the person to their left the same three choices.
- Fold: Placing their cards face down towards the middle of the table and sitting out the rest of the hand. The cards remain on the table until the hand is finished, and their ante remains in the pot.
- Once a player has made a wager, the choices for the remaining players are slightly different.
- Fold: As above, the players turn their cards face down towards the middle of the table and sit out the rest of the hand. Sorry, all the money stays in.
- Call: Matching the other player's bet by placing an equal wager into the pot.
- Raise: Placing a higher wager into the pot. All other players must call that bet or raise it in order to remain in the game.
After a round of betting, any remaining players are allowed to exchange up to three of their cards with an equal amount from the top of the deck of remaining cards. After all players have done this, a second round of betting occurs. When that round is finished, the player whose bet has been called by other players must show the cards first. A winner is determined and that person collects all bets in the pot. If all other players are unwilling to call the bet, and fold, the winner is not required (but certainly is allowed) to show cards to the other players.
Tips:
There are many other Poker games being played today, some of the most common being Baseball, Texas Hold 'em, and High/Low variations. Many books are on the market to tell you all about them and provide strategies to maximize your winnings. If you are serious about playing Poker, pick up a few and gain some experience playing in friendly games.
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| Back To Step One: Learn The Common Goals And The Card Values |
| On To Step Three: Learn Five-Card Stud |
| Skip To Step Four: Learn Seven-Card Stud |
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