Poker is a card game with countless variants, but in general, mastering the rules of 5-card poker will allow you to easily adapt to almost any format. That’s why we’ve created a brief guide to help you start playing online poker quickly and with the confidence you need to do things right.
Let’s be honest—you never thought learning how to play 5-card poker would be this easy!
Rules of 5 Card Draw Poker (Closed Poker)
5 Card Draw, also known as “closed poker”, is one of the simplest and most popular poker variants. In this version of the classic casino game, each player is dealt 5 hidden cards and has a chance to improve their hand by discarding some cards.
- Each player receives 5 face-down cards.
- Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, the first betting round takes place.
- Then, players can discard 0 to 5 cards and receive new ones from the deck.
- A second round of betting follows.
- If two or more players remain, hands are revealed, and the best 5-card combination wins the pot.
5 Card Draw is ideal for beginners because it involves basic strategies—a perfect first contact with a casino dealer!
Rules of 5 Card Stud Poker
In 5 Card Stud, players receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards, making the game more strategic and dynamic.
- Players are dealt one face-down card and one face-up card.
- The player with the lowest visible card must place a forced bet called the “bring-in.”
- Up to three more face-up cards are dealt, with a betting round after each.
- After the final betting round, if players remain, it’s time for the showdown, and the best 5-card hand wins the pot.
Since most cards are visible to opponents, bluffing becomes more difficult, and strategic play becomes more important. As you can see, poker is not just about luck!
Rules of 5-Card Omaha Poker
5-card Omaha poker is a variant of traditional Omaha where each player receives 5 hole cards instead of 4. This significantly increases the chances of forming strong hands (like a flush), often resulting in larger pots.
Unlike Texas Hold’em, in Omaha, players must use exactly 2 of their hole cards and 3 community cards to form their final hand.
- Each player is dealt 5 hole cards, and five community cards are placed on the table.
- Two forced bets (small blind and big blind) are placed by the players to the dealer’s left.
- There are four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.
- At showdown, players must combine exactly 2 hole cards and 3 community cards. The best hand wins the pot.
In this variant, choosing the right starting hand is key, and you must pay close attention to your opponents’ behavior!
Omaha Hi-Lo: Double the Challenge, Double the Fun
Omaha Hi-Lo is a more complex version of 5-card Omaha. Here, the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand, adding a layer of strategy and excitement.
To qualify for the low hand, combinations must contain five cards with values of 8 or lower.
- Players are dealt 5 hole cards, and five community cards are revealed at the center of the table.
- The pot is divided into two: one for the best high hand, and one for the best low hand.
- Players must use exactly 2 hole cards and 3 community cards for each hand.
- If no low hand qualifies, the entire pot goes to the best high hand.
In this version, playing from early positions like UTG (Under the Gun) is especially delicate, as you must evaluate both your chances of forming the best high and the best low hand.
Always Review the 5-Card Poker Rules
While we’ve covered the main rules of 5-card poker, you should always check the specific rules of the online casino you’re playing at. If you choose our poker app, you’ll find full transparency on rules regarding betting, limits, and blind structures.
Before playing real-money poker, we recommend starting with practice games to familiarize yourself with the strategies and flow of each variant. Once you’re confident, you’ll be ready to become the king of online poker at our casino!
FAQs About 5-Card Poker Variants
What is the best poker variant for beginners?
5 Card Draw is usually the best starting point due to its simplicity and straightforward rules.
Can I bluff in 5 Card Stud?
Bluffing is more difficult in Stud since most of your cards are exposed, but strategic betting can still mislead opponents.
What is the best starting hand in Omaha?
Hands with double-suited high cards and good connectivity—like A♥ K♥ Q♠ J♠ 10♣—are considered very strong.
Can I win both halves of the pot in Omaha Hi-Lo?
Yes, if your hand qualifies as the best high and low, you win the entire pot. This is called a scoop.
Comparison Table: 5-Card Poker Variants
| Variant | Hole Cards | Community Cards | Bluff Potential | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Card Draw | 5 | None | Medium | Low |
| 5 Card Stud | 1 hidden, 4 visible | None | Low | Medium |
| 5 Card Omaha | 5 | 5 | High | Medium-High |
| Omaha Hi-Lo | 5 | 5 | High | High |
Glossary of Poker Terms
- Hole Cards: The private cards dealt only to you.
- Showdown: When all remaining players reveal their hands after the final betting round.
- UTG (Under the Gun): The first player to act after the blinds.
- Bring-In: A forced bet made in Stud by the player with the lowest face-up card.
- Scoop: Winning both the high and low portions of the pot in Hi-Lo poker.
- Blinds: Mandatory bets placed before the cards are dealt in community-card games.