Single Draw Lowball is one of the most intriguing and underrated poker variants. Unlike traditional poker games where the highest hand wins, Single Draw Lowball flips the objective—players aim to create the lowest possible hand. This shift in goal makes it a fascinating and strategic experience, especially for beginners eager to explore non-standard poker formats.
What Is Single Draw Lowball?
Single Draw Lowball is a five-card draw poker game played for the lowest hand, usually using the Deuce-to-Seven (2-7) lowball hand rankings. The best possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2, all of different suits, and pairs, straights, and flushes count against the player.
The game is typically played as a no-limit or fixed-limit format and consists of a single draw round, meaning players only get one chance to discard and replace cards after the first betting round.
The Hand Rankings in 2-7 Lowball
The hand rankings are inverted compared to standard poker. Here’s how they work in Deuce-to-Seven Lowball:
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Best possible hand: 7-5-4-3-2 (no flush, no pair)
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Straights and flushes are bad: A 5-4-3-2-A is a straight, so it’s not a good hand
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Aces are high, not low
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Pairs are bad: A hand like 4-4-3-2-A is worse than a hand with all unpaired low cards
Example of good hands:
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8-6-5-4-2
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9-7-6-3-2
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7-6-5-3-2
Example of bad hands:
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2-3-4-5-6 (a straight)
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3♠ 3♦ 4♥ 7♣ 9♣ (has a pair)
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A♠ 2♣ 3♥ 5♦ 7♠ (ace counts as high)
How the Betting Works
Just like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, Single Draw Lowball uses blinds to start the action:
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Blinds are posted (small and big blind).
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Each player is dealt five cards face down.
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The first betting round takes place.
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Players choose to discard any number of cards (up to five) and receive new ones.
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A second and final betting round occurs.
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Showdown: The player with the lowest 2-7 hand wins the pot.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
Play Tight at the Start
Until you become more familiar with the game, stick to strong low hands like 7-high and 8-high draws. Don’t chase weak hands.
Know When to Stand Pat
If you’re dealt a strong hand like 7-5-4-3-2 or 8-6-5-3-2, consider “standing pat” (drawing no cards). This puts pressure on opponents and signals a strong holding.
Observe Opponents’ Draws
Pay attention to how many cards your opponents draw. A player drawing 1 card might be stronger than one drawing 3. This info can guide your post-draw betting strategy.
Avoid High Cards and Pairs
Don’t get attached to hands with aces, pairs, or potential straights and flushes. These work against you in Lowball.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overvaluing aces: Remember, in 2-7 Lowball, aces are high and not helpful.
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Holding on to potential straights or flushes: These hurt your hand value.
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Drawing too often: If you always draw 3 or more cards, you’re likely behind stronger players drawing 1 or standing pat.
FAQ
1. What is the best starting hand in Single Draw Lowball?
The best starting hand is 7-5-4-3-2 with no flush and no pair. It’s the lowest possible hand in 2-7 Lowball.
2. Can you play Single Draw Lowball online?
Yes, many online poker sites offer Single Draw Lowball games, though it may not be as widely available as Texas Hold’em or Omaha.
3. Is bluffing effective in Single Draw Lowball?
Absolutely. Because there’s only one draw, players often have to make decisions with limited information, making well-timed bluffs especially powerful when combined with a stand-pat strategy.