Poker has evolved into countless variants, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha and beyond. But before community cards and high-stakes tournaments took over the spotlight, there was the straight poker game — the original and most straightforward form of the poker family. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned card player looking to return to the roots, understanding straight poker rules and straight poker hands will sharpen your game and add a classic touch to your poker nights.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes the straight poker game unique, how to play it correctly, and how to master the strategy behind one of the simplest — yet most underrated poker variants.
What is the Straight Poker Game?
The straight poker game is the earliest known version of poker. It dates back to the 1800s and was commonly played in saloons, on riverboats, and at home tables long before Texas Hold’em existed.
In straight poker, each player is dealt a complete hand of five cards, face down. There’s no drawing, no community cards, and usually only one round of betting. It’s a game of raw skill, bluffing, and reading your opponents, with no room for improvement after the deal.
Quick Facts:
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Players: 2 to 6 (ideally)
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Deck: Standard 52-card deck
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Cards Dealt: 5 to each player
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Betting Rounds: One (in most variations)
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Draw/Exchange: Not allowed
Straight poker is often confused with the straight poker hand (five cards in numerical sequence), but the two are not the same. A “straight” is a hand ranking, while “straight poker” refers to a specific game format.
Straight Poker Rules: How to Play Step by Step
If you’re used to Hold’em, the straight poker rules will feel refreshing in their simplicity. Here’s how a typical round of straight poker is played:
1. Ante or Blinds
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Players place a small ante into the pot before cards are dealt.
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Alternatively, you can use blinds, with the player to the left of the dealer posting the small blind, and the next posting the big blind.
2. Dealing Cards
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The dealer gives five face-down cards to each player, one at a time clockwise.
3. First (and Only) Betting Round
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The player to the dealer’s left starts the betting.
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Players may fold, call, or raise.
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Once the betting concludes, the remaining players reveal their hands.
4. Showdown
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All players still in the game reveal their cards.
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The winner is determined based on standard poker hand rankings (detailed below).
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The winning player takes the pot, and the next hand begins.
Optional Rule:
In home games, you can agree to limit betting to one raise per player or allow multiple raises for more intense play.
For an official poker rules reference, visit the PokerListings Guide or Bicycle Cards Poker Rules.
Straight Poker Hands: Ranking and Examples
Since straight poker has no drawing phase or community cards, what you’re dealt is what you must play with. Knowing the straight poker hands and their ranks is crucial to winning or bluffing successfully.
Here are the standard poker hand rankings, from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Hand Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ — Same suit |
| 2 | Straight Flush | 5 cards in sequence, same suit (e.g. 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ 9♦ 10♦) |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same value (e.g. 9♣ 9♠ 9♦ 9♥ 2♠) |
| 4 | Full House | Three of a kind + a pair |
| 5 | Flush | Any five cards of the same suit |
| 6 | Straight | Five cards in a row, any suits |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same value |
| 8 | Two Pair | Two separate pairs |
| 9 | One Pair | One pair only |
| 10 | High Card | If no other hand qualifies, the highest card wins |
Examples of Straight Poker Hands:
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Straight: 5♠ 6♦ 7♥ 8♣ 9♠
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Flush: 2♣ 6♣ 9♣ Q♣ K♣
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Full House: 8♦ 8♠ 8♣ J♦ J♥
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High Card: A♠ 7♦ 5♣ 2♠ 9♠ (if no pair or better is made)
For a full breakdown of poker hands, check PokerNews Hand Rankings.
Strategy Tips for Straight Poker
While straight poker may seem simple, don’t mistake that for easy. With no chances to improve your hand after the deal, your strategy must focus on observation, discipline, and betting psychology.
1. Know When to Fold
Weak hands like unpaired cards below a 10 should generally be folded unless you’re in a position to bluff effectively.
2. Observe Player Behavior
Since no cards are shown during the deal or play, betting patterns are your only clues. Notice who bets aggressively and who hesitates.
3. Bluff Carefully
Straight poker is a bluff-friendly game because there’s little information to go on. But don’t overdo it — if you bluff too often, observant players will call your bluffs.
4. Start With Strong Hands
Play tight and aggressive. Hands like high pairs (Q-Q, K-K, A-A) or five cards in sequence (potential straight) give you real leverage.
5. Play the Odds
Memorize the frequency of different hands. For example, a flush is rarer than a straight, so bet accordingly when you hold one.
Straight Poker Game vs Other Poker Variants
| Feature | Straight Poker | Texas Hold’em | Five-Card Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cards Dealt | 5 to each | 2 to each + 5 community | 5 to each |
| Drawing Phase | No | No | Yes (1 draw round) |
| Betting Rounds | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Bluffing Importance | Very high | High | Medium |
| Complexity | Simple | Moderate to Advanced | Simple to Moderate |
Straight poker is excellent for teaching core poker fundamentals — reading opponents, managing bets, and playing under pressure without room for error.
FAQs: Everything About Straight Poker
Can you play straight poker online?
Most online platforms like PokerStars or WSOP.com focus on Texas Hold’em and Omaha. However, home game modes or private tables often allow straight poker or similar variants like 5-card draw.
Is straight poker good for beginners?
Absolutely. Its simplicity makes it perfect for teaching new players basic betting, hand recognition, and strategy.
What’s the difference between a “straight” and “straight poker”?
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A straight is a hand with five consecutive cards.
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Straight poker is the original five-card poker game with no drawing phase.
How many betting rounds are there in straight poker?
Typically, only one round of betting occurs after all players are dealt five cards.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try the Straight Poker Game
In an era dominated by fast-paced and complex poker formats, the straight poker game offers a nostalgic return to poker’s roots. It’s clean, quick, and full of tension with just five cards and a single chance to bet. Whether you’re playing for chips at home or learning the ropes, mastering straight poker rules and understanding the ranking of straight poker hands can significantly elevate your card skills.
Ready to try something classic? Shuffle the deck, deal five cards, and test your luck and wit in the straight poker game — the purest form of poker.
