PLAYING TIPS for K2 DRAW POKER
HOW TO PLAY K2 DRAW POKER:
A combination of 5 card draw and 5 card stud played as high-low split. Kings are wild only in low hands. Deuces are wild only in high hands. Kings and deuces may also be played at face value, that is, a deuce is a deuce, a king is a king. Start the game by dealing and playing 5 card draw in the normal manner. After the draw the game turns into a variation of 5 card stud. Each player arranges their cards in any order they wish and places them in a pile face down on the table in front of them. Once that is done, the order of the cards may not be changed and players may no longer look at their cards. Each player initially reveals their first two cards, but thereafter cards 3, 4 and 5 are revealed one card at a time. There is a round of betting after each reveal. May be played as cards speak with no declaration. If declaration is used, it should be made prior to revealing the last card. |
SUMMARY of ACTION:
Deal 5 hole cards to each player. Bet Draw cards. Arrange cards in pile. Once arranged, card order cannot be changed. Cards must be revealed in order. Each player reveals 2 cards. Bet (Highest showing hand always starts betting) Each player reveals 1 card. Bet Each player reveals 1 card Bet Declaration (optional) Each player reveals last card - Showdown |
PLAYING TIPS for K2 DRAW POKER
Although described as a combination of 5 card draw and 5 card stud, K2 Draw poker is simply 5 card draw poker with wild cards. The resemblance to 5 card stud is the novel method of arriving at the showdown and how that can influence your play. The common strategies of 5 card draw should be observed. The addition of wild cards improves your drawing odds so you can play more liberally. Keep in mind that the inclusion of wild cards always results in needing higher ranked hands to win. Also keep in mind that, if your hand does not include wild cards, you are at a disadvantage.
Position is very important in K2 poker. Because this game includes the opportunity to draw cards the players in late position have an advantage. They get to learn how many cards the players before them draw before they have to make their own draw. Never announce your drawing decision until it is your turn.
STARTING HAND SELECTION
As already mentioned, K2 Draw should be played observing the basic strategies and starting hand selection of 5 card draw with wild cards. The presence of wild cards allows you to be more liberal in your starting hand selection, but you should be more conservative in the strength of your final hand. Additionally, the method used to arrive at the showdown increases the number of post-draw betting rounds from 1 in classic 5 card draw to 3 rounds in K2. If you don't hit your draw you fold after just 1 round of betting. If you do hit, you now have 3 rounds of betting to make up for less favorable drawing odds.
For high, you could play any trips, two pair or single (preferably high) pair, and possibly even 2 or 3 big cards.
For low you can add most 3 cards of 6 or less, perhaps even a "good" 7-low such as 72A, 73A or 732. Having an ace as one of these cards is much preferred since you could miss your low draw but pick up a high hand.
Although described as a combination of 5 card draw and 5 card stud, K2 Draw poker is simply 5 card draw poker with wild cards. The resemblance to 5 card stud is the novel method of arriving at the showdown and how that can influence your play. The common strategies of 5 card draw should be observed. The addition of wild cards improves your drawing odds so you can play more liberally. Keep in mind that the inclusion of wild cards always results in needing higher ranked hands to win. Also keep in mind that, if your hand does not include wild cards, you are at a disadvantage.
Position is very important in K2 poker. Because this game includes the opportunity to draw cards the players in late position have an advantage. They get to learn how many cards the players before them draw before they have to make their own draw. Never announce your drawing decision until it is your turn.
STARTING HAND SELECTION
As already mentioned, K2 Draw should be played observing the basic strategies and starting hand selection of 5 card draw with wild cards. The presence of wild cards allows you to be more liberal in your starting hand selection, but you should be more conservative in the strength of your final hand. Additionally, the method used to arrive at the showdown increases the number of post-draw betting rounds from 1 in classic 5 card draw to 3 rounds in K2. If you don't hit your draw you fold after just 1 round of betting. If you do hit, you now have 3 rounds of betting to make up for less favorable drawing odds.
For high, you could play any trips, two pair or single (preferably high) pair, and possibly even 2 or 3 big cards.
For low you can add most 3 cards of 6 or less, perhaps even a "good" 7-low such as 72A, 73A or 732. Having an ace as one of these cards is much preferred since you could miss your low draw but pick up a high hand.
HIGH HAND PROBABILITIES or ODDS for K2 DRAW POKER
Approximate chances of being dealt the following HIGH hands as your first 5 cards. There are a maximum of 4 wild cards (deuces) that can be used in high hands.
Approximate chances of being dealt the following HIGH hands as your first 5 cards. There are a maximum of 4 wild cards (deuces) that can be used in high hands.