Rules of Double Draw Poker

Double Draw is similar to 5 Card Draw, however in Five-Draw, there is one draw and two rounds of betting. In this game, as the name suggests, there is an additional draw in addition to a further round of betting - players are still dealt five hole cards, face down.

Due to the extra cards that are available, it is far more common to see some of the hands which you seldom see in community card games such as Holdem and Omaha. Monster hand such as Four of a Kind, Straight Flush and Royal Flush are much more frequent due to the extra draw, which adds to excitement. Another key factor is that the extra draw devalues the value of hands with players generally needing much stronger hands to take down a pot. The game does take a little time to adjust to, especially when it comes to folding what are normally considered huge hands.

Chasing cards can become more expensive as there are more betting rounds. When you lose the hand, it's likely to cost you. A reason why you will want to work out your starting hand range for the game (probably a little tighter than in standard 5 Card Draw).

The illustration below indicates how the game is played.

Players dealt 5 cards face down

Round of betting

The first draw

Second round of betting

The second draw

Third round of betting

Showdown

To date there is no online room that offers an online version of this game but it is a fun game and would be a great addition or alternative at any home game.

If you are interested in seeing what the online arena has to offer, check our listings of games played online.

There are some other variations of the game..

Ace to Five Lowball

In Ace to Five Lowball, the best hand in any suit is A-2-3-4-5. Straights and Flushes do not count when forming a hand.

Note: If a joker is used, it becomes the lowest card not present in the hand.

In limit ace to five lowball, before the draw, an exposed card of seven or under must be taken, and an exposed card higher than a seven must be replaced after the deal has been completed. This first exposed card is used as the burn card. Also in limit poker, the check-raise is not permitted unless agreed amongst the players before the hand starts.

Seven to Deuce Lowball

Seven to Deuce Lowball is often known as Kansas City Lowball, a game in which the worst poker hand wins the pot. This game has featured on the WSOP as an event, such is the popularity. In this variation, Straights and Flushes do count and Aces are high only.

In other words the best poker hand possible is 2-3-4-5-6-7. The hand A-2-3-4-5 is not deemed a straight, but only Ace High with a five kicker.

Note: The best poker hand is 7-5-4-3-2 of at least two different suits. Straights and flushes count against a player, and aces are considered high only. Before the draw, an exposed card of 7, 5, 4, 3, or, 2 must be taken. Any other exposed card must be replaced (including a six).

Check-raise is allowed on any hand after the draw, and a seven or better is not required to bet.