Draw

Draw poker is a classic style of poker in which players are given the chance to improve their hands by discarding unwanted cards and drawing new ones from the deck. This strategic element not only offers the potential to build a stronger hand but also introduces an element of psychological play, as opponents try to interpret each player’s draw.

What Defines Draw Poker?

In draw poker games, each player is dealt a complete hand before the first betting round. Then, after the initial betting, players may discard a number of cards and receive replacements in hopes of improving their hand. This aspect sets draw poker apart from other formats like stud or community card games.

A few of the most popular draw poker variants include:

• 5-Card Draw
• 2-7 Triple Draw
• 2-7 Single Draw

Each of these games has its own unique rules, especially around hand rankings and number of draws, but they all follow a similar gameplay structure.

How Draw Poker Games Are Played

While individual variants may differ, most draw poker games follow this general sequence:

1 – Post the Blinds

The player immediately to the left of the dealer posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind – typically double the size of the small blind. These forced bets initiate the action and build the pot.

2 – Deal the Cards

Each player receives an equal number of cards. In most draw games, this means five cards dealt face-down.

3 – First Betting Round

Action begins with the player to the left of the big blind, who may:

• Fold – Surrender their hand and forfeit the pot.
• Call – Match the amount of the current highest bet.
• Raise – Increase the size of the current bet.

Betting proceeds clockwise until all players have either folded or matched the highest bet.

4 – The Draw

Starting with the small blind, each player may choose to discard any number of cards (including zero). They then receive new cards from the deck to replace the ones discarded.

5 – Second Betting Round

After the draw, another round of betting takes place. This time, the action starts with the small blind or the first active player to their left. Available options typically include:

• Check – Decline to bet, while staying in the hand.
• Bet/Raise – Place a wager or increase an existing one.
• Fold – Exit the hand.

In variants with multiple draws, such as 2-7 Triple Draw, the draw and betting sequence may be repeated two more times before the final showdown.

Final Step – Showdown

If more than one player remains after the final betting round, they reveal their hands. The player with the best hand – according to the specific game’s hand ranking rules—wins the pot. Most draw games use traditional poker hand rankings, although lowball variants like 2-7 Triple Draw reward the lowest hand instead.

Betting Structures in Draw Poker

Draw poker games can be played with various betting structures:

• Limit – Betting amounts are fixed and increase in structured increments.
• Pot-Limit – Players can bet any amount up to the current size of the pot.
• No-Limit – Players can bet any amount up to their full stack at any time.

Draw poker remains a foundational format in both casual home games and professional tournaments. Its blend of strategy, psychology, and risk-taking continues to make it an enduring favorite among poker enthusiasts.

EvenBet Gaming offers more than 40 interactive poker games, including several types of Draw.

Try it out for yourself!