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General Jacks or Better Rules

This game is a variant of 5 Card draw and whilst the rules are similar, there are a few noticeable differences.

This game begins with all players posting an ante. To begin the game a pair of Jacks or better is needed at which point the betting would be declared 'open'. When the pot is opened, players can decide whether to stay in the pot or fold. If no player has a pair of Jacks or better to open betting, the hands are thrown away, players re-ante and the game starts again until a player has the required minimum hand.

Note: Any player who has legally declared the pot opened must prove that they have the hand in order to win the pot (.i.e. must show the pair of Jacks or better).

In all cases, the pot plays (even if the opener shows or declares a fouled hand) if there has been a raise, two or more players call the opening bet, or all action is completed before the draw.

Any player can request that the opener retain the opening hand and show it after the winner of the pot has been determined.

The Deal

Each player receives five cards face down, dealt one card at a time to each player. Play begins left of the dealer with each player declaring whether they can 'open' or not. A player who can open, would either Call, Raise or Fold clockwise from the opener.

Following the initial deal and betting round, there is a draw and players can exchange up to three cards. After the draw, there is a further round of betting followed by showdown.