Sitting around the poker table is an American pastime, one that conjures images from classic movies, TV series, and works of art. If you want to add a poker table to your entertainment space but aren’t familiar with the different games, here’s a head start on your education. Remember to practice with friends before playing for money.

3 of the Most Common Poker Games

1. Five-Card Draw

Perhaps the most basic poker game and the first that many enthusiasts learn, five-card draw begins with dealing five cards to all players. Next, each player has the option to fold, or withdraw from the game; raise, or put more money in the pot; or call, meaning they match the raised amount.

After this betting round ends, the players discard as many cards as they want in favor of new cards before betting again. Players have the option to check—not bet—but stay in the game during this round. Then, everyone shows their cards to determine the winner.

2. Texas Hold ‘Em

The world’s most popular poker game, Texas Hold ‘Em requires dealing two “hole” cards to each player before initiating “the flop,” or five cards placed face-side up on the poker table.

The players must use their cards and the “flop” cards to create the best possible five-card hand. Texas Hold ‘Em is subsequently considered a “community” game because all players share the cards in the center.

3. Seven-Card Stud

One of the more complex games to play at the poker table, seven-card stud involves dealing two cards to each player face-down and one face-up. After everyone looks at their hole cards, the player with the lowest face-up card makes a bet that the others can raise, call, or fold on.

A fourth card is dealt to each player face-up before another betting round commences. From this point, the player with the highest face-up card makes the initial bet. The fifth and sixth cards get dealt next, each with their own betting rounds, before the seventh card is dealt face-down. After the last betting round, the players show their cards.

Select from the high-quality poker tables available through Dayton Billiards, the recreational product store in Washington Township, OH. Serving the Tri-State area for over 54 years, this shop has everything you need to create a home entertainment center. Call (937) 436-2777 with product questions, or review the latest special offers online. Get additional playing tips on Facebook.