A-5 Lowball is a unique and intriguing poker variant where the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot. Unlike traditional high-hand games like Texas Hold’em, A-5 Lowball rewards players for avoiding high cards, pairs, and straights. The name “A-5” comes from the best possible hand in the game: Ace through Five, also known as the “wheel.” This variant is particularly popular among mixed-game players and adds an exciting twist for those looking to test their reverse-hand reading skills.
Basic Rules of A-5 Lowball
A-5 Lowball can be played in either limit, no-limit, or pot-limit formats. It typically follows a structure similar to Five-Card Draw, with players receiving five cards each and having an opportunity to draw new ones to improve their hands.
Here’s how a standard hand plays out:
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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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A round of betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the big blind.
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Players have the option to draw (discard and replace) any number of cards.
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A second round of betting occurs.
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Showdown: The lowest hand according to A-5 Lowball rules wins the pot.
Hand Rankings in A-5 Lowball
In A-5 Lowball, the best hand is the lowest in value — but the ranking system differs from other lowball variants. Here’s how hands are evaluated:
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Straights and flushes do not count against you.
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Aces are always low.
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Pairs, trips, and higher duplicates are bad.
The best possible hand is:
A-2-3-4-5 (also known as the “wheel”).
A few more examples, ranked from best to worst:
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A-2-3-4-6
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A-2-3-5-7
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2-3-4-5-6
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2-2-3-4-5 (pair, worse than any unpaired hand)
Note: Since flushes and straights are ignored, a hand like 2♣ 3♣ 4♣ 5♣ 6♣ is just evaluated by its high card (6) and treated like any other low hand.
A-5 vs. 2-7 Lowball: Key Differences
It’s important not to confuse A-5 Lowball with 2-7 Lowball, another popular lowball variant:
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A-5 Lowball: Aces are low, and straights/flushes are ignored.
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2-7 Lowball: Aces are high, and straights/flushes are considered bad.
Because of these differences, 2-7 is typically more punishing for “naturally strong” hands in traditional poker, while A-5 is more forgiving and easier to learn for new players.
Strategy Tips for A-5 Lowball
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Aim for unpaired low cards: Discard pairs and high cards to chase a five-card low.
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Discard aggressively: Don’t be afraid to throw away most or all of your cards if your starting hand is weak.
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Observe your opponents: Pay attention to how many cards they draw. Drawing zero cards usually signals a strong hand.
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Bluff smartly: Because this game rewards less conventional hands, strategic bluffing after the draw can pay off — especially if you stood pat.
Variations of A-5 Lowball
While the draw format is the most popular, A-5 Lowball can also be found in mixed games or dealer’s choice formats. Some players even introduce wild cards or play with a joker for added unpredictability. The basic goal, however, remains the same: make the lowest unpaired five-card hand.
FAQ
What is the best possible hand in A-5 Lowball?
The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, also called the “wheel.” It beats all other hands regardless of straights or flushes.
Do straights or flushes count against you in A-5 Lowball?
No, straights and flushes are ignored in A-5 Lowball. Only pairs and high cards reduce your hand’s value.
Can A-5 Lowball be played with betting structures other than limit?
Yes, A-5 Lowball can be played as a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit game, depending on the house rules or tournament structure.