Lowball Stud Poker offers a unique twist on traditional stud games by rewarding the lowest-ranking hand rather than the highest. Popular in mixed-game formats and home games, Lowball Stud combines the structure of Seven-Card Stud with the hand-ranking philosophy of games like Razz or 2-7 Lowball. For players looking to expand their poker repertoire, learning Lowball Stud provides a refreshing strategic challenge and a deeper understanding of hand value from a reverse perspective.
What Is Lowball Stud Poker?
Lowball Stud is a variant of stud poker where the lowest hand wins the pot. Unlike Texas Hold’em or standard Stud games where players chase flushes, straights, and high pairs, the goal in Lowball Stud is to form the lowest possible five-card hand using Seven-Card Stud mechanics.
Depending on the variation, hand rankings may follow either:
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Ace-to-Five Lowball (Aces are low, straights and flushes don’t count)
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Deuce-to-Seven Lowball (Aces are high, straights and flushes are bad)
The choice of ranking system greatly impacts strategy and the types of hands considered premium.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Lowball Stud follows a similar betting structure and deal format as Seven-Card Stud, with key adjustments in how hands are ranked and how betting may proceed.
Setup and Dealing
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Each player is dealt two hole cards face-down and one face-up card (third street).
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The player with the highest upcard posts the bring-in.
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Betting proceeds clockwise, and four more cards are dealt (three face-up, one face-down).
Betting Rounds
There are a total of five betting rounds: after third street, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh (the river).
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Betting limits are typically fixed limit.
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The player with the best low hand showing usually acts first after the bring-in.
Showdown
At the end of the hand, players form their best five-card low hand, and the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot. The exact definition of “lowest” depends on the Lowball format in use.
Variants of Lowball Stud
There are several popular versions of Lowball Stud, each with unique rules and strategic considerations.
Razz (Ace-to-Five)
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Aces are low.
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Straights and flushes do not count against you.
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Best possible hand: A-2-3-4-5 (“The Wheel”).
2-7 Lowball Stud
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Aces are high (bad).
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Straights and flushes do count against you.
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Best possible hand: 7-5-4-3-2 (unsuited and no Ace).
Each variant requires a different mindset and approach when evaluating hands and calculating odds.
Strategy Tips for Lowball Stud Poker
Don’t Overvalue Paired Hands
Pairs are detrimental in Lowball since you’re aiming for unique, low-value cards. Fold early if you pair your door card or receive duplicates in early streets.
Keep an Eye on Opponents’ Upcards
Tracking your opponents’ exposed cards helps you calculate live cards for your low. If many low cards are already visible, it may be harder to complete your desired hand.
Position Still Matters
Even in fixed-limit games like Lowball Stud, acting later gives you more information and control over the betting flow. Use this advantage to apply pressure or avoid traps.
Why Play Lowball Stud?
Lowball Stud isn’t just a novelty—it’s a serious game in high-level mixed formats like H.O.R.S.E. and Dealer’s Choice. Here’s why players enjoy it:
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Strategic depth: Involves card memory, bluffing, and hand reading.
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Psychological edge: Reading opponents’ perceptions of “low” can lead to creative plays.
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Skill development: Enhances understanding of hand values and game flow.
FAQ
Q1: What is the best starting hand in Razz?
The best starting hand in Razz is A-2-3, as it gives you the lowest possible three-card combination with strong potential to complete the wheel (A-2-3-4-5).
Q2: How are ties resolved in Lowball Stud Poker?
In the event of a tie, the pot is split between the players with identical low hands. Suits do not break ties in standard Lowball formats.
Q3: Can you play Lowball Stud online?
Yes, many major online poker platforms offer Lowball games like Razz or include them in mixed-game rotations. However, 2-7 Lowball Stud is less commonly available than Razz.