5 Card Draw is a simple poker game that reigned as the most popular version of poker in America for almost one hundred years following the Civil War.

Although today it has been overtaken by the No Limit excitement of Texas Hold’Em, 5 Card Draw holds classic appeal as a game with poker rules that are easy to learn and understand but that is still interesting to play.

The game begins with an ante, where each player places a small predetermined amount of money into the pot to get the ball rolling. Starting with the player who is to the left of the dealer, each player is dealt five cards, all face down on the table. Once the players have picked up their cards and examined them, the first round of betting takes place beginning once more with the player to the dealer’s immediate left.

After the first round of betting is complete, those who remain in the hand (who haven’t folded) are given the option to trade in one, two or three of the cards from their hand for new cards drawn from the deck. If a player has an Ace in hand, all of the other four cards can be traded in but the player must show the dealer and the other players that he or she really does have an Ace.

You don’t have to trade in any cards at this point if you don’t want to – for example, if you’ve already drawn a particularly good hand then it is probably better to “stand pat”, meaning you keep the cards you were initially dealt.

Once everyone has received their new cards after trading in and has a full hand of five once more, another round of betting takes place again starting to the dealer’s left. Finally after this round of betting players reveal the hand they have got and the best hand is the winner of the pot.

Having a party at home and recreating the fun of the Vegas casinos is easy nowadays. All you need to do is find a local company that you can hire casino tables from. You may well be able to get the same company to provide theme props and other theme items to decorate your home of venue in that Las Vegas style. Running your own casino party isn’t to difficult, here are some additional suggestions:

• Select a theme that will compliment the casino table, Vegas is of course the most popular, but there are other great themes, Hollywood and 007 secret agent would be great examples.
• Always book a quality fun casino hire company, they will be able to provide excellent services including roulette table hire, as well as black jack and poker.
• Most companies will provide fun money that you can give out to your guests, however, for that extra special touch you can usually pay a little more and have the notes personalized. Its not too expensive and adds a nice touch to the event, as well as being something you can keep as a momento of the occasion.
• You will need to ensure there is some kind of bar, if you are having the party at home see if you can convince a family member of friend to act as a barman. You could server classic drinks like Vodka Martini for the 007 theme, or fantastic cocktails for Vegas night! You should also ensure there is a buffet, usually finger foods are best and easy to prepare.
• Party favours are a great way to say thanks to your guests for coming to your casino party, there are lots of novelty items you could put in a party bag, how about some playing cards, dice, roulette key rings and chocolates?
• Have some nice glossy casino party invitations printed and insist on a glamourous dress code, evening gowns for the ladies, dinner suits for the guys!

This should be enough ideas to get you started on planning your casino party!