Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to play Hollywood! Hollywood - also known as "Five Card Draw" - has been a classic and widely popular poker game since the early years of entertainment industry in Hollywood. From celebrity circles to local poker tables, this game has become an all-time favourite for many.
The Objective
The objective of Hollywood is challenging yet simple. Each player is given five cards and has one opportunity to improve their hand by drawing cards. The winner is the person who has the highest-ranking hand at the end of the final betting round.
The Setup
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Typically, there is a maximum of six players in a game. Players place an equal amount of money - called the ante - into the pot. Once the ante is taken care of, each player is dealt five cards face down.
Betting Round 1
After the initial deal, the first betting round begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. Players have the option to either fold, call, or raise the bet. Players must bet a minimum amount of money required to stay in the game - this is called the bring-in.
Drawing Round 1
After the first betting round, players have the opportunity to discard any number of their cards and receive new ones from the deck. The goal is to improve their existing hand as the game progresses.
Betting Round 2
The second betting round begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Players may fold, call, or raise the bet again.
Drawing Round 2
After the second betting round, players have the opportunity to discard any of their cards again and receive new ones from the deck.
Betting Round 3
The third and final betting round begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Players can fold, call, or raise the bet one last time.
The Showdown
Once the final betting round ends, players must reveal their hands. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.
Ranking of the Hands
It's crucial to know the ranking of the different possible poker hands in Hollywood. From the highest to the lowest, the possible hands are:
- Five of a Kind: This hand can only happen if playing with a wild card. It's five cards of the same rank.
- Straight Flush: This hand is five cards of sequential rank, all of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind: This hand is four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: This hand is when a player has three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- Flush: This hand is five cards of the same suit.
- Straight: This hand is five sequential cards of any suit.
- Three of a Kind: This hand is three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: This hand is two pairs of different rank.
- Pair: This hand is two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: This hand is simply the highest card of a player’s five, where Ace is considered the highest card.
Tips to Improve Your Game
If you're new to Hollywood, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you improve your chances of winning.
- Pay Attention: Watch the other players and try to read their expressions and mannerisms to gauge what kind of hand they might have.
- Know When to Fold: It's important to know when to fold a weak hand to cut your losses.
- Don't Chase: Don't invest a lot of money into the pot just to hold out hope that you might get better cards later on. Know when to cut your loses and fold if the cards aren't in your favour.
- Play Patiently: Don't rush your decisions. Take time to analyse your hand and consider your options before making your next move.
- Practice: Practice makes perfect, so take your time to familiarise yourself with the game and its rules. The more you play, the more you'll be able to anticipate the next move and improve your strategy overall.
Now you're ready to sit down at the virtual or physical Hollywood table and begin playing. Remember, the key to winning at Hollywood is understanding the game, staying in control of your emotions, and playing with confidence. Good luck!