Draw Poker is an altered form of poker that is typically found in casual games between friends. In this version of poker, all players must contribute to the pot before they receive their cards. This contribution, called an ante, helps make sure that the pot will be large for the winner of the game.

During the beginning stages of the game, each player is dealt five face down cards. Players then have the opportunity to look at their cards and make a mental game plan. Professional players of this type of poker typically wear dark sunglasses and hats to stop their eyes from reflecting the value of their cards when they look at them. For a genial game, however, disguises are typically not necessary.

After reviewing their hand, players can return any unwanted cards to the dealer. Some versions of draw poker stipulate that the player can only draw three new cards, but most allow the player to completely change their entire hand. After the draw has taken place a second round of betting commences where each individual gains his or her bet on the cards in their hand.

When all bets have been taken the player compare hands to see who has the more valuable collection of cards. Of course, if all the players fold, the winner does not need to reveal their cards.