Draw

A draw in poker can refer to any hand that is incomplete and needs further cards to become valuable.

Draw can also refer to a family of poker variants where players can swap some of their cards with the dealer. The most popular draw variants are 2-7 lowball, A-5 lowball, and 5-card draw (played either limit, no limit, or pot limit).

Understanding a Draw

In poker, a draw or drawing hand refers to a hand that is not yet complete but has the potential to improve hand. The player needs further cards, either from the community cards in games like Texas hold'em and Omaha, or through further deals or exchanges in games like 5-card draw.

The most common types of draws are straight draws and flush draws.

Impact of a Draw on Game Strategy

Having a draw can significantly impact a player's strategy in a poker game. Players often have to decide whether to play aggressively or passively try to chase their draw (known as drawing) or to fold, minimizing losses if the needed cards don't come.

When you have a draw, you should assess your pot odds and implied odds. Then decide if it is worth playing the hand aggressively (either to build the pot or as a semi-bluff). alternatively, do you want to play passively, taking free cards when offered.

Example of a "Draw"

For example, if you're playing Texas Hold'em and you have A?5? in your hand and the flop is 2?3?5?, you have a flush draw because you need one more heart to complete your flush. You also have an inside straight draw as a four of any suit would give you a straight.

You are also arguably drawing to two-pair or trips if an ace or five comes off the deck.

• "With four clubs on the board, John was on a flush draw and needed one more club to complete his hand."
• "Mary had an open-ended straight draw, so any of eight cards would complete her straight."
• "Despite having only a draw, Tom decided to bet aggressively to try to win the pot."

Poker Draws FAQ