The one common denominator in draw poker games is that everyone receives five cards on the initial deal.

The five card draw is one of the most well-known versions of draw poker. Players are dealt five cards and a round of betting begins. After the first round of betting, a player may elect to discard three cards in the hope of drawing three better cards to make a hand. The showdown only occurs after the draw and another round of betting.

Jacks to Open and Trips to Win are draw games with a kick. It is played like five card with a few main differences. In order to start in the game and play, a player must have a pair of Jacks or better. If no one can 'open' then the entire hand is discarded and another round of cards is dealt. Once someone can open with a pair of Jacks or better then the game can continue with the above rule. At this time, only a player with three of a kind or better can stay in the game and take the pot. If no one has at least three of a kind, then the hand is folded and this hand ends. If the hand is played out, the highest held three of a kind or better wins.

Triple Draw is a fun variation to five card. Each player starts the game with the desire to make the lowest five card hand possible. Four rounds of betting and three draws are initiated in this game. Players are able to discard 0-five cards after each round of betting carefully to make the lowest hand possible, an unsuited 2-3-4-5-7.

These three variations are often played in home poker games. There are many other variations of draw poker, with the most popular games being played in any online poker room. It is a great way to learn a variety of games to play in high cash tournament offerings and useful to know other variations than the typical Texas Hold'em.