Draw poker is the original game that all the other variants of poker are based upon. The game is best played with between four and six players and for a small amount of money, although I wouldn't recommend this until you're totaly confident with the game.

Everyone begins by by putting in a small amount of chips (normally one or two), the so called "ante". Then each player is dealt five cards face down which only he/she gets to look at. Then there is a betting round. Once all the players have either bet the same amount or folded, each player is allowed to change as many cards as he/she wants for brand new cards off the top of the deck. Then there is another betting round. Assuming there are still people left in at the end of this round, there is a "showdown" and the person with the best five card poker hand collects the pot (The ranking for the poker hands is below). Then all of the cards are collected, shuffled and play begins again.

HAND RANKS

1. Highest Card

2. Pair

3. Two Pairs

4. Three of a kind

5. Straight

6. Flush

7. Full House

8. Four of a Kind

9. Straight Flush

10.Royal Flush

NOTE - ACES HIGH EVEN IN AN A2345 STRAIGHT!

There are many other variants of poker. Once you've got the hang of this one you might want to try playing another one such as Texas Hold 'Em which I have also written up an entry for in the poker section of the guide!

HAPPY GAMBLING