Jacks or Better, Trips to Win

This variation of Draw Poker can be played with up to seven players but no less than three for an optimal playing atmosphere. The game is played just how it sounds. The draw poker game that this variation most closely resembles is 5-card draw. Let’s go into some simple instructions on how this game is played.

Cards are Dealt – Jacks or Better

First the dealer will deal all players five cards face down. All players will ante into the pot. For a player to open up a bet they most hold a pair of Jacks or better. If no player holds a pair of Jacks or better then everyone folds their hand and re-ante’s making the beginning pot more lucrative.

Betting Rounds – Trips to Win

Once the first betting round begins with the player with Jacks or better then players have the option to fold or raise. After this first betting round players have the option to draw up 0-5 cards depending on house rules. Play then resumes with a betting round starting with the player left of the dealer.

Players can choose to fold, bet, or raise at this point leading to the showdown of the cards. The best five cards are shown and the winner takes the pot. To win the hand a player must have 3 of a kind or better. If no one has Trips or better then everyone will muck their hands and re-ante.

Game Conclusion

As you can see the pots can begin to accumulate and get very large. With no qualifying hands the antes will begin to rack up making this game very exciting. There is not too much skill involved and the game relies mostly on luck but is very fun either way.

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