1. Free Five Card Draw Video Poker Tournaments
2. Free Five Card Draw Video Poker Vegas World
3. Free Five Card Draw Video Poker Deuces Wild
4. Free Five Card Draw Video Poker Real Money

Video poker variations — Almost every casino site has video poker games, but the number of variations is what separates the best from the rest. If you want to play common games like Jacks or Better, you are sure to find them on every site, but if you are interested in trying some of the rarer variations, you will have to dig a little deeper. The Good old Poker they. Played in the Wild Wild West. Basic Five Card Draw Poker. Game for beginners. Classic Video Poker. Classic game of Five Card. Caribbean Poker. Poker at a 5 star Caribbean. Got a Full House, Queens. Jacks or better video poker is one particular game, but other games involve Jokers (as wild cards). So, there are also games like Jokers Wild Video Poker on offer in most casinos too. In other games, there are wild cards other than jokers. For example, deuces wild video poker is really popular in the casinos. In this game, all the 2s are wild. Loose Deuces Video Poker. If you love playing Deuces Wild video poker, you will absolutely love Loose Deuces which is an easy to play yet highly rewarding variant of Deuces Wild. Just like in Deuces Wild, 2s are wild in Loose Deuces and can substitute any other card in the deck to form a winning combination.

Video poker games are an integral part of every US casino, both online and land-based.

Free Five Card Draw Video Poker Tournaments

If you want to find quality casino sites where you can play some of the best video poker games online, you’ve landed on the right page. Apart from identifying top casino websites in the US, this article will also discuss how real money video poker works, what to look for when choosing a casino, how to play free video poker and which bonuses to use when playing.

If you don’t have a lot of experience playing online video poker, you should pay close attention to our tips and strategies section. In it, we will teach you how to minimize your risks and improve your chances of winning big.

Best online casinos with video poker

Playing real money video poker online

Since video poker machines are single-player electronic games, it’s no wonder that their transition to the online world was rather smooth. There are no major differences between land-based and online video poker, at least not when it comes to different game variants and rules.

However, playing video poker online has the upper hand because of two things — convenience and bonuses. Namely, instead of traveling to a local casino, you can simply log in to your online casino account and play video poker online with real money from your home. Furthermore, unlike land-based casinos, online gambling sites award bonuses to both new and existing players, and these bonuses are usually compatible with the casino’s selection of video poker games.

Free video poker vs. real money video poker

Most real money casinos will allow you to test their video poker games for free. Still, you might be wondering what’s so interesting about playing a gambling game where you have no chance of winning money. Well, playing video poker for free actually has plenty of benefits. Here are the main advantages of playing free video poker:

Benefits of playing free video poker

• If you’re new to video poker, trying it for free gives you a chance to see whether you like the game or not before risking your own money.
• Video poker is a game of skill, which makes it fun even when there’s no money involved.
• Playing free video poker allows you to practice and improve your strategy with no risk.

While free video poker has its set of advantages, it can get pretty monotonous after a while. When that happens, you should consider starting to play it for real money.

Benefits of playing real money video poker

• Real money video poker is ultimately more exciting than the free version of the game.
• You will have a chance to make a profit, potentially winning massive jackpots.
• Video poker games have a range of betting limits, suitable for small-time gamblers and high-rollers.

How online casino bonuses work with video poker

US online casinos offer several types of bonuses, many of which are compatible with the casinos’ range of video poker games.

For example, if the casino offers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500 and you deposit $200 into your newly-created account, you will get an additional $200 to play with. Of course, this bonus won’t be withdrawable right away. Instead, you will have to complete the wagering requirements first, which mean playthroughs of anywhere between 10x and 30x.

However, video slots are usually the only full contributors to that requirement. Since video poker games have a relatively low house edge, the casinos will make it more difficult for you to clear the bonus by playing them. In most cases, the wagering contribution for video poker games is around 10% to 20%, which is why it will take more time for you to request a withdrawal.

Let’s say the casino of your choice has placed a 30x wagering requirement with a 10% wagering contribution on your $200 bonus. That means that you would have to wager a total of $60,000 (200x30x10) to clear the bonus’ wagering requirements and withdraw your winnings.

It seems like a lot, we know, but this is just an example. You can find many online casinos that offer bonuses that are easier to clear. So, when choosing bonuses with video poker in mind, look for the lowest possible wagering requirements and highest potential wagering contribution, as this will give you a realistic chance to turn your bonus into withdrawable cash.

You should also pay attention to other terms and conditions, including minimum deposit limit, maximum withdrawal limit, potential payment method restrictions and expiration date.

Earning comp points with video poker

Online casinos feature VIP programs with loyalty benefits. VIP rewards include cash back, free spins and higher banking limits. Most active casinos tie in their loyalty programs with their brick-and-mortar locations. For example, you can use PlaySugarHouse loyalty points at Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino.

Do you need a promo code?

Some online gambling sites will ask you for a promo code or bonus code to qualify for either bonus. Be sure to use our codes to get the best deals. You must enter a promo code during the registration process so that you qualify for the casino’s welcome bonus.

Depending upon the site, you may need to enter a code whenever you deposit. This process qualifies you for reload deposit bonuses.

List of video poker games you can play for free

Game King currently holds the monopoly for online video poker. It supplies video poker variations to each active casino. You can see which variations are most likely to be available at video poker casinos below:

Free to play video poker games

Video poker casino apps

Video poker games have an ideal layout for mobile screens, which is why all the modern versions are compatible with the latest mobile devices.

You can play video poker on mobile in two ways — you can either log in to a casino account on your mobile browser or download the casino’s official app. Apps are ultimately better than mobile sites, as they provide a better user experience. However, to download and install an app, you will need to be located in one of the states where online gambling is regulated or use an app from a sweepstakes casino.

To download an app, simply go to the casino site you want to use on your mobile device and follow the prompts to get the app from there. Once you have downloaded and installed the app, open it up and log in or create an account to start playing.

Note that not all US casinos have apps. In such cases, you will have to resort to their mobile websites.

Legal casinos with video poker

Legal online video poker is available in those states that have legalized online gambling, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and a few others.

If you live in one of the states that has not yet legalized online gambling, you likely can still play video poker online at a sweepstakes casino. In any case, here is a list of top online casinos that operate in the states where online video poker is legal and regulated.

NJ video poker sites

New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize almost every form of online gambling, so it’s no wonder that some of the best US casinos offer their services to NJ residents.

One of the most popular options in the state is DraftKings, which is primarily a daily fantasy sports and sports betting site. Still, it does have its share of online casino games. DraftKings has several video poker games, the most notable being Jacks or Better, Double Double Bonus Poker and Game King Video Poker.

DraftKings’ welcome offer consists of a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,500 and a $45 no deposit bonus, which is awarded instantly upon signing up. Other great options for NJ players include Betfair and BetMGM, both of which feature several quality video poker games and offer rewarding bonuses to their first-time customers.

PA video poker sites

Pennsylvania is another gambling-friendly state where you can join several reputable online casinos and try their range of video poker games. The residents of Pennsylvania also have DraftKings Casino at their disposal, along with FanDuel and BetMGM.

BetMGM offers a fantastic deal to new players, matching them up to $1,000 on first deposit and giving $25 as a join bonus.

WV video poker sites

Players from West Virginia can enjoy many of the same online casinos with the same range of video poker games as their fellow players from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The two most popular options are BetMGM and DraftKings, where you can pick up a 100% deposit bonus and a no deposit bonus.

Michigan video poker sites

Michigan is one of the more recent states to legalize online gambling. Up until late 2020, Michigan players didn’t have that many options when it came to playing online video poker games. Now, though, they can enjoy top-shelf games on sites like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Hollywood Casino and Golden Nugget.

Sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos, meanwhile, are an option for people who want to play quality video poker games but are located in a state where online gambling remains illegal. The best sweepstakes casinos we can recommend are LuckyLand, Chumba and Funzpoints.

How to play video poker online

You can play video poker within a few steps, even if you’ve never played online before. The following steps will help you get started as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Choose a quality video poker casino

First, you want to research the online casinos to help you choose a quality gaming site. Legal and safe US casinos are licensed and regulated by the state. This includes the New Jersey Division and Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

You can use our review to figure out which casinos you prefer.

When looking through our review or doing your research, you should keep the following factors in mind:

• Reputation: You should consider the brand’s reputation before depositing your money.
• GameSelection: Game variety, especially in the video poker department, is vital to your entertainment.
• Bonuses: You want opportunities to make extra money through bonuses and VIP rewards.
• WebsiteNavigation: Any quality US casino will offer simple website navigation.
• CustomerSupport: You want to interact with a friendly support staff whenever a problem arises.
• Deposit and Withdrawal Options: More banking methods will give you an easier path toward depositing and cashing out.

Step 2: Register for an account

After you choose a reliable casino, you must sign up. To do this, you’ll need to fill out the online casino’s registration form.

Gambling sites will require basic information, such as your name, email, phonenumber, username and password. You’ll also need to provide your SocialSecuritynumber.

Casinos require the latter for identificationpurposes. Also, regulated casinos must ensure that you’re not on the excluded gamblers list.

Step 3: Play free online video poker

Now that you’re registered for an online casino, you can play free video poker. Free online video poker provides both entertainment and the opportunity to improve your skills. Furthermore, you can test out video poker variations and determine if you like them. This option is perfect for exploring the video poker world without simultaneously risking your money.

Step 4: Make a deposit (optional)

If you like a particular online casino, you should consider depositing and playing for real money. All online gaming sites offer plenty of deposit methods.

Here are some of the available deposit options in Pennsylvania and NJ:

• Visa and Mastercard: Fund your account with one of the two biggest credit card brands.
• ACH: Send an e-check directly from your bank to an internet casino.
• E-Wallet: PA casinos accept e-wallet payments from Neteller, PayPal or Skrill.
• PayNearMe: You can visit a 7-Eleven convenience store and deposit with cash.

What should I look for in an online casino?

Players from every state where online gambling is legal will have multiple options for where they want to play video poker. But how do you choose the one that suits you? Of course, some casinos may be better than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best option for you personally. In other words, it all has to do with your own preferences.

In order to make the best choice, you should pay attention to the following things:

• Video poker variations — Almost every casino site has video poker games, but the number of variations is what separates the best from the rest. If you want to play common games like Jacks or Better, you are sure to find them on every site, but if you are interested in trying some of the rarer variations, you will have to dig a little deeper.
• Bonuses and promotions — Bonuses are one of the most important things to look for when choosing a casino site. When comparing bonuses, make sure to not only look at their surface values but also check minimum deposit limits, wagering requirements and video poker wagering contributions.
• Mobile compatibility — If you like using your mobile device for playing video poker, you should look for sites that feature mobile-friendly video poker games. Better yet, try to find a casino that has a designated app.
• Full-pay tables — If you’re an experienced video poker player who uses the optimal strategy, you should search for casino sites that offer full-pay games with the highest theoretical return-to-player rate.
• Legal and regulated — It’s very important that you select a website that’s legal and regulated in your state. For safety, avoid offshore sites.
• Customer support — Beginner players should look for a casino with responsive and friendly customer support, as you may need it to provide the right answers if you get stuck unlocking the bonuses or finding the games you want to play.

Casinos with full-pay video poker games

Full-pay video poker games are those games that offer the highest possible odds and theoretical returns, with short-pay games being the opposite.

Full-pay games pay proportionally more for the highest possible hand (royal flush), but only when you bet the maximum number of coins. The return to player on full-pay games is often close to or exceeds 100% when playing with the optimal strategy. Also, full-pay video poker games offer a 9/6 pay table for a full house or flush, compared to 8/6 or 8/5 pay tables in other games.

While some casinos hide their RTP numbers, leaving the players clueless as to how much they pay in the long run, some casinos are generous enough to provide a full-pay table. Some of the most popular full-pay video poker games you can find in US online casinos include Double Double Bonus Poker and Game King.

Standard video poker payouts

Online casinos offer a variety of pay tables throughout the online market. Each of these vary, depending on the specific game.

You should choose games that meet your expectations as far as risk and volatility. For example, Jacks or Better is the least-volatile video poker variation.

It offers a standard pay table that’s void of bonus tables. You can see the Jacks or Better pay table below:

You may seek a more-volatile video poker variation that offers extra payouts. In this case, Bonus Poker should prove satisfactory.

Here’s the pay table for Bonus Poker:

Currently, there are no progressive video poker jackpots in either the PA or NJ markets. The most you can win is 4,000 coins through a royal flush on a five-credit bet.

Perhaps these internet casinos will eventually add progressive jackpots. However, the most significant current payouts revolve around a royal flush and bonus prizes.

How to win at video poker

Video poker is a strategic game that gives you a better chance to win if you use properstrategy. You should keep the following tips in mind when playing online.

Choose games with a high RTP

Video poker games with high RTP improve your long-term chances of winning. Variations with higher payout percentages will award you more winnings over time.

The highest paying online video poker variants include:

• Jacks or Better: 99.54% RTP
• Double Double Bonus Poker: 99.51%
• Bonus Poker: 99.17%

You aren’t guaranteed to win more money with these games. After all, anything could happen in the short run. Nevertheless, high payout percentages boost your odds of winning profits.

Always bet five coins

You must wager all five coins per hand if you want to achieve the highest payback. By betting five coins, you unlock the full value of the royal flush payout.

Below, you can see how much a royal flush pays, depending on the number of coins you wager:

• One-credit bet = 250 coins
• Two-credit bet = 500 coins
• Three-credit bet = 750 coins
• Four-credit bet = 1,000 coins
• Five-credit bet = 4,000 coins

The royal flush payout increases proportionately up until you wager five coins. At this point, the royal flush value experiences a large boost.

Use a video poker trainer, strategy chart

Optimal payback requires expert strategy; however, the perfect approach varies, depending on which video poker game you’re playing.

Jacks or Better, for example, requires a different strategy than bonus poker. That said, you need to find the relevant materials for whatever game you’re playing.

Here are the two best resources for improving your video poker skills:

• Strategy Chart: This shows the order of importance for each hand.
• Trainer: This allows you to play video poker hands while correcting your mistakes.

You can significantly increase your video poker knowledge by using either of these tools. Again, you must use strategy materials that match the variation you’re playing.

Practice with free video poker

After you register for an account at an internet casino, you gain access to free video poker. Free video poker makes for great practice when you’re learning the game. You can implement the strategies you learn through charts and trainers in the free version. Once you feel comfortable, you can move on to real-money video poker with a better strategy.

Tips and strategies for playing video poker

Video poker can be a very rewarding game, as you won’t have to rely only on your luck but also on your skills and tactics. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you start playing:

Be responsible

Always decide on your bankroll and make sure not to exceed it. This is easier said than done, as video poker, like any other casino game, can be very addictive and push you to spend more money than originally intended.

Look for progressive payouts

Many video poker games feature life-changing jackpots that players can win with the right strategy and a little bit of luck. Try to find the games with progressive jackpots, as they allow for massive payouts and reduce the overall house edge.

Always bet the maximum amount

To add on to our previous statement, you should always max bet if your bankroll allows it. While this can be a risky strategy, betting the maximum amount is the only way you can get the jackpot.

Jacks or Better is the best alternative

If no full-pay games are available, try to find Jacks or Better, as it represents one of the highest-paying video poker games. What’s more, Jacks or Better is one of the easiest video poker games to learn, making it ideal for beginning players.

Video poker – History and development

Video poker appeared on the gaming scene in the 1970s when the technology arose to combine primitive computer technology and a TV monitor.

For those who recall what TVs were like in the mid-1970s, the VP monitor was certainly no LED flatscreen. Players used a row of buttons below the monitor to hold the cards that appeared on the screen before drawing to a final poker hand.

By 1979 and into the 1980s, IGT made video poker one of the most popular new games in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They did so with their title Draw Poker. IGT then released Jacks or Better. This is still a popular version of video poker today, and IGT became a booming, publicly traded company.

As technology progressed in the following years, the appearance of VP machines stayed about the same. However, touch-screen capability relieved players of having to hit physical buttons.

One of the most popular VP terminals in the world is IGT’s Game King. The machine represented the pinnacle of digital casino technology for decades. It remains a favorite of regular video poker players. The Game King allowed casinos to offer multiple VP variants and denominations in a single terminal.

Ultimately, expect to find a variety of video poker iterations on one machine. Some of the most popular include Deuces Wild, Double Bonus, Double Double Bonus, and Ultimate X. Remember that not all video poker is created equal, so check the pay tables and freshen up on the optimal strategy for the variations.

Video Poker FAQ

What is the best video poker game to play for real money?

Jacks or Better is universally one of the best video poker variations available. It offers a nice combination of high 99.54% RTP and low volatility. Game King’s Double Double Bonus Poker is another quality real money game. It features a high payback of 99.51% and bonus payouts. Bonus Poker also gives you a solid chance to win. This game offers 99.17% RTP and moderate volatility.

Can I play video poker online for real money?

Absolutely! You can find almost every existing variation of video poker online and play it day and night. Real money video poker can range from a couple of cents to over a hundred dollars, depending on the game.

Which casino has the best video poker games?

If you want to find a regulated real money casino site with a versatile collection of video poker games, your best bet is to try DraftKings. If, on the other hand, online video poker is not legal in your state and you are trying sweepstakes casinos, Chumba is probably the best alternative you can find.

Which video poker game has the lowest house edge?

There are several video poker games that have a negative house edge, which is one of the main reasons why they are so popular. The RTP of Deuces Wild, for example, is 100.71%, followed by Joker Poker (100.64%), Double Bonus Poker (100.17%) and Double Double Bonus Poker (100.07%). Of course, you can expect these returns only if you’re using perfect strategy, but even if you’re not, these games will be more rewarding than the rest.

Are video poker games the same thing as slots?

No, these two are completely different. Video poker games use the basic rules of poker, while online slot machines are played across spinning reels where the goal is to connect identical symbols in a payline. Also, video slots are entirely based on a random number generator, meaning that the players don’t have any power in deciding their fate. On the other hand, video poker lets the players choose which cards to keep and which to discard, allowing for strategy.

What are the best odds on video poker?

The best odds on video poker are in the so-called full-pay games, where the payouts for full houses and flushes are 9 to 1 and 6 to 1, respectively. Also, keep an eye out for royal flush payouts, as the payout for this hand combination is usually proportionally higher when you bet the maximum number of coins. Still, keep in mind that it can differ from one game to another.

What is the best strategy for video poker?

Some general strategies for playing video poker suggest that you should max bet to become eligible for a higher royal flush payout, find games that offer the best house edge and look for progressive jackpot games. Of course, don’t forget to always gamble responsibly.

Draw poker is any poker variant in which each player is dealt a complete hand before the first betting round, and then develops the hand for later rounds by replacing, or 'drawing', cards.^[1]

The descriptions below assume the reader is familiar with the general game play of poker, and with hand values (both high and low variations). They also make no assumptions about what betting structure is used. In home games, it is typical to use an ante, and betting always begins with the player to the dealer's left. In casino play, it is more common to use blinds; the first betting round thus begins with the player to the left of the big blind, and subsequent rounds begin with the player to the dealer's left, thus draw games are very positional.

Some sample deals below will assume that a game is being played by four players: Alice, who is dealing in the examples, Bob, who is sitting to her left, Carol to his left, and David to Carol's left.

Standard five-card draw[edit]

This is often the first poker variant learned by most players, and is very common in home games although it is now quite rare in casino and tournament play. Two to eight players can play.^[2]

Other draw games[edit]

Gardena jackpots ('Jacks to open' or simply 'Jackpots')[edit]

Played as above, with standard hand values, and with a single joker in the deck acting as a bug. It is always played with an ante and no blinds. On the first betting round, no player is allowed to open the betting unless their hand already contains a pair of jacks or a better hand. Other players who checked on the first round may subsequently call or raise if someone else opens. If no player opens, a new deal begins and everyone antes again into the same pot. The player who opened the betting keeps their discarded cards near them on the table so that they can prove, if necessary, that they had a sufficient opening hand. For example, a player with the K, J, 9, and 7 of clubs and the J of hearts has a pair of jacks and may open. They may wish to 'break openers' in this case by discarding the jack of hearts in an attempt to make the club flush, so they keep the discarded jack to prove that they were entitled to open.

In addition to the opening requirement, no one is allowed to win a pot with less than three of a kind. In the event no one makes the winning requirement, the pot is moved on to the next hand. The strongest possible hand in this game is five aces which is achieved if the player obtains the four aces plus the joker (joker counts as an ace if there's neither a straight nor a flush to complete).

This can result in some enormous pots, and is where the term 'Jackpot' comes from.

The game is named after the city of Gardena, California, where this game was especially popular from the 1930s to 1970s (though it was always secondary to lowball). At that time, there were more public poker tables in that small city than in all the rest of the United States. Public poker rooms are still a big industry there, though Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other locations now have many more poker rooms than they did at that time. Because 'Jacks to open' was the primary form of high-hand draw poker played there, traditional draw poker was often described by the retronym 'Guts to open'.

In home games, it is common that when a deal is 'passed out' (that is, when no one opens), the players re-ante, and the qualifier to open is raised to a pair of queens. If that deal is passed out, the qualifier is raised to kings, and finally to aces. This is called 'progressive' jackpots.

California lowball[edit]

This was the primary poker game played in California during the heyday of Gardena in the 1970s.^[3] It is still played today, though its popularity has somewhat lessened since the introduction of stud poker and community card poker to the state.

Played as above, using ace-to-five low hand values, with a single joker in the deck. Always played with blinds rather than antes, so players may not check on the first betting round (but may on the second round). A player with a 7-high hand or better who checks after the draw forfeits his right to win any money placed in the pot after the draw. (In other words, a 'seven' may not be checked unless the player intends to fold when another player bets). Another common rule in low-limit games is that a player who checks on the second betting round may not subsequently raise on that round. This latter rule is never used in games with a pot limit or no limit betting structure.

Kansas City lowball[edit]

Five-card draw, with no joker, and deuce-to-seven low hand values is called 'Kansas City' or 'Low Poker' or even 'Billy Baxter' draw in honor of the player who dominated the world championship in the event for many years. Often the game is played no-limit. The 7-high rule and the no check-and-raise rule do not apply. In the eastern United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, ace-to-six low hand values are common.

Double-draw and Triple-draw[edit]

Any game above can be played with two or three draw phases and therefore three or four betting rounds. Triple draw lowball, either ace-to-five or deuce-to-seven, has gained some popularity among serious players. The 2004 World Series of Poker included a deuce-to-seven triple-draw lowball event, and each WSOP from 2007 on has featured one event as well. The Poker Player's Championship, which was introduced in 2010 as the replacement for the $50,000 buy-in HORSE tournament that had been in every WSOP since 2006, includes 2–7 triple-draw lowball as one of its rotating games.

Badugi[edit]

Sometimes spelled as Padooki or Badougi, Badugi is a four-card ace-to-five low lowball variant where traditional poker hand rankings are changed. A Badugi is a four-card hand where all the cards are of different ranks and suits. Any card which match another card in rank or suit does not play and the first criterion for evaluating hands is the number of cards which are playing. The following is the ranking of several example of hands from best to worst:

1. Ace of spades, 2 of clubs, 3 of hearts, 4 of diamonds: 4-card 4-high best possible Badugi
2. 4 of spades, 6 of hearts, 8 of diamonds, J of clubs: 4-card J-high Badugi
3. Ten of clubs, J of hearts, Q of diamonds, K of spades: 4-card worst possible Badugi
4. Ace of hearts, Ace of diamonds, 4 of clubs, 5 of spades: 3-card hand, 5-high
5. Ace of clubs, Ace of spades, 4 of spades, 6 of spades: 2-card hand, 4-high
6. Four kings: 1-card hand, worst possible hand

Badugi is usually played triple-draw, with a 1-1-2-2 betting structure, although it is sometimes played in pot limit or 1/2 pot limit structures.

Baduci[edit]

Not to be confused with Badugi, Baduci is a lowball hybrid of Badugi and deuce-to-seven triple draw low. This game has a split pot, one half for the strongest Badugi hand and the other half for the best deuce-to-seven triple draw hand. Players are essentially trying to form two different sets of hands by using five cards with a goal of winning both halves of the pot in the same hand.

California high/low split[edit]

Played as above, with a single joker, used as a bug. High hand and low hand (using the ace-to-five low values) split the pot. An 8-high or better low is required to win low. If no hand qualifies for low, the high hand takes the whole pot. Played cards speak, that is, players do not declare whether they intend to win the high or low half of the pot (or both); they simply show their cards and the best hands win. Because ace-to-five low values are used, a hand such as a low straight or flush can win both high and low, called 'scooping' or 'hogging' the pot.

High/low with declare[edit]

This is common in home games but is rarely found in casinos today. Played as are other versions of five-card draw, but after the second betting round and before the showdown, there is a simultaneous declaration phase. Each player takes two chips from his stack and takes them under the table, bringing up a closed fist that contains either no chips (indicating that the player intends to win the low half of the pot), one chip (indicating that the player intends to win the high half), or two chips (indicating that he intends to scoop). When everyone has brought up the closed fist, the players all open their hands simultaneously to reveal their choices. If any player shows two chips, and his hand is the best low and the best high, he scoops the pot. Otherwise, half of the pot goes to the player with the highest hand who declared high, and the other half to the player with the lowest hand of those who declared low. There is no qualifying hand to win either high or low, and if no one declares in one direction, the full pot is awarded in the other (for example, if all players declare low, the low hand wins the whole pot rather than half). A player who declares for a scoop must win both ends outright, with no ties. For example, if a player declares scoop, has the lowest hand clearly but ties for high, he wins nothing. The other player with the same high hand wins the high half of the pot and the next-lowest hand wins low (assuming he declared low—if no other player declared low, the high hand who declared high wins the whole pot).

This game can be played with deuce-to-seven low or ace-to-six low hand values, but in that case it is nearly impossible to scoop (though the whole pot could still be won if everyone declares the same direction).

Four-before[edit]

Another variation that can be applied to any game above, but that is especially suited to lowball. On the initial deal, only four cards are dealt to each player. A betting round follows, then each player draws one more card than he discards, completing his hand to five cards. Then the final betting round and showdown. Note that it is impossible to be dealt a 'pat' hand, that is, a hand (such as a straight or flush) that is complete before the draw.

Johnson (and 'Jacks back')[edit]

Played with one joker which acts as a bug. Must be played with antes and no blinds. Each player is dealt five cards. The first betting round begins with the player to the dealer's left, who may check or open with anything. If any player opens, the game continues as traditional five-card draw poker. If the first round is passed out (that is, no one opens), then the player to the dealer's left may now open if he chooses, but the game has switched to California lowball. On the rare occasion that the deal is passed out yet again, players re-ante and deal again. This game plays well head-up (that is, with only two players). When the game is played that a pair of jacks or better is required to open on the first high-hand round, the game is called 'Jacks back'.^{[citation needed]}

Q-Ball[edit]

This is a lowball game designed by Michael Wiesenberg that combines some of the variations mentioned above. It is generally played with three blinds—one unit from the dealer, one unit to his left, and two units for the second player to the dealer's left. The deck contains one joker. Each player is dealt three cards, followed by a round of betting beginning with the player immediately after the big blind who may call the big blind, raise, or fold (there is no checking on the first round). Next, each player is dealt a fourth card, followed by a second round of betting starting with the still-active player to the dealer's left. No checking is allowed on this round either, despite the fact that there is no bet facing the first player; the first player must open or fold. Each player is then dealt a fifth card, followed by a third betting round beginning on the dealer's left. At this point, checking is allowed. Finally, each player draws as in normal draw poker, followed by a fourth betting round and showdown. Ace-to-five low values are used.

Played at fixed limit, it is recommended that the betting structure be 1-2-2-4; that is, the second and third betting rounds should allow a bet of twice the amount of the first round, and the final bet should allow four times the amount of the first round.

'Home' games[edit]

These are somewhat less-serious games that are typically played only in home games at small stakes. This does not necessarily mean that there is less opportunity for skillful play, just that the games are seen as more social than competitive.

To help grow the betting pot in a home game, one can add a variant known as the 'kill card' to the rules. Kill cards work best with stud games or shared card games as no one player can control when the 'kill card' is played.

Shotgun ('Roll 'em out' and 'Skinny Minnie')[edit]

This is a draw game that plays much like a stud game. First five cards are dealt to each player, followed by a betting round, and a draw. Now, in place of a second round and showdown, there is a rollout phase, which begins with the players arranging their five cards in any chosen order, placing them face down in front of themselves. Each player's top card is now revealed, followed by a betting round. Then each player reveals his next card, followed by a betting round. Then a third card is revealed, followed by a betting round, a fourth card, a betting round, and finally a showdown. Players may not change the order of their cards at any time during the rollout phase.

This game can be played for high or low, but plays best at high-low split, in which case it is called 'Skinny Minnie'.

Spit in the ocean[edit]

This might be classified as a hybrid draw/Community card game, but it is placed here because it plays mostly as a draw game. On the initial deal, each player is dealt four cards, and then a single card is dealt to the center of the table face up. This card plays as if it were the fifth card in every player's hand. It is also a wild card, and every other card of its rank is also wild. The first betting round is then played, followed by a draw in which each player replaces cards from his hand with an equal number, so that each player still has only four cards in hand. A final betting round is followed by a showdown. High-hand values are used. (An alternative is to deal similar to a regular draw poker hand, during which any player can shout 'Spit!', whereupon the next card is dealt face up, after which dealing resumes until all players have five cards. In some variants, only the 'spit' card can be used as a wild card.)

Here's a sample deal: Alice deals four cards to each player, then deals the next card face up to the center of the table. it is the 6 of diamonds, and this makes all 6-spot cards wild. Bob opens for $1, Carol raises to $2, David folds, Alice and Bob call. Bob discards two cards, and receives two replacements. Carol draws one card, and Alice draws one. Bob checks, Carol bets $2, Alice raises to $4, Bob folds, Carol reraises to $6, and Alice calls. The cards in Carol's hand are Q-Q-6-4. Because the 6 in her hand and the one on the board are wild, her hand is four queens. Alice's hand contains K-J-9-7, all spades. With the shared wild card, this gives her a flush, which loses to Carol's four queens.

The game is mentioned in the Ray Stevens song 'Shriner's Convention'.

Anaconda ('Pass the trash')[edit]

Seven cards are dealt to each player. Before the first betting round, each player examines his hand, and removes exactly three cards from his hand and places them on the table to his left. After each person has thus discarded, he picks up the cards discarded by his right-hand neighbor and places them in his hand (thus, each player will have given three cards to his left-hand neighbor). It is important that each player discard before looking at the cards he is to receive. After the first pass, there is a betting round. Then a second pass occurs, each player passing two cards to his right. A second betting round is followed by a third pass, each player passing one card to his left. Finally, a third betting round and a showdown, in which the player with the best five-card high hand he can make out of the seven in his hand wins the pot.

In some casual games, the showdown is replaced by a rollout phase, as described above in 'Shotgun'. This makes a total of eight betting rounds in the game, which generally destroys any chance for skillful play in the later rounds.

Ad hoc variants[edit]

Any of the above games can be modified in many ways upon player whim, by designating additional wild cards, betting rounds, more or fewer cards, altered hand values, and any other change agreed upon by all players prior to each deal. Such a game can be announced by using the name of an existing game and specifying the variations, for example 'Three-card Triple-draw California lowball, Kings wild'. Many times this will result in a game that does not play well, but occasionally will produce a game that is well-suited to a particular group of players.

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Here are some general guidelines:

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• If designating some normal suited cards as wild, it is advisable to choose cards that would otherwise be bad for the game being played. For example, deuces wild for high-hand games, kings wild for lowball, 9-spots wild for high-low split (where an 8-high or lower is necessary to win low).
• High-low split games play best with more than four players.
• When playing high-low split, it is necessary to have either a declaration phase or a qualifier (but not both). The most common form is 8-high or better to qualify low, but also common is any pair/no pair (that is, a pair or better is required to win high, and no pair or better low is required to win low), and 9-high for low.
• Designating more than four wild cards (or possibly six) will result in considerable confusion and many ties.
• Two to five betting rounds makes a good game. One round or more than five rounds reduces the amount of skill involved.
• Sometimes there is no betting round before the draw; players pick up their cards, discard and draw, and then the betting starts.
• Giving each player more than eight or nine cards can often make a bad game. In Anaconda, each player will have seen up to thirteen cards.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Cardoza, Avery (8 December 2011). Basics of Winning Poker. Cardoza Publishing. p. 19. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
2. ^Brown, Aaron (26 August 2011). The Poker Face of Wall Street. New York City: John Wiley & Sons. p. 39. ISBN9781118161104. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
3. ^Waldie, D. J. (2017-03-15). 'Draw, Stud, and Hold'em: A Brief History of Poker in L.A.'KCET. Retrieved 2020-05-06.

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