A whiskey poker game is an informal competition that is often played in home games when waiting for the main poker game to begin. Each player gets five cards faced down and five cards which are also called “the widow.” The cards are all dealt face-down in the center of the table while the player whose position is to the left of the dealer is given 3 choices. To pass, knock or exchange their cards for the widow. Assuming s/he makes a pass, the next player is also given the same choices.
If any of the players exchanges the cards for the widow, the next player may throw out between 1 and 5 of their cards, choose cards from the widow as a replacement but without looking at them. The replacements can then be the widow. If a player takes the widow, other players may not pass again so they have to either exchange or knock a card or more using the cards from the widow. If no player exchanges the 1st round, the dealer may turn the widow face-up, as the play continues, but this time, with the cards drawn from the face-up widow cards.
