2-7 Single Draw - How to Play, Rules and Strategy

Introduction

2-7 Single Draw card game, also known as ‘Deuce-to-Seven Lowball’, is a variant of draw Poker. Played in casual and professional settings, it is popular in high-stakes cash games and mixed games like H.O.R.S.E.

Here’s an in-depth look at how 2-7 Draw Poker is played.

What is 2-7 Single Draw?

2-7 Single Draw is a lowball Poker variant where players aim to create the lowest five-card hand. Unlike popular Poker games that focus on making high-ranking hands, this game follows a unique structure and set of hand-ranking rules favouring hands traditionally considered weak. The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7, with straights and flushes considered high and, therefore, unfavourable.

Objective

The objective in a 2 to 7 lowball Single Draw is to make the lowest hand possible. The game has specific hand rankings:

1. The Best Possible Hand: 7-5-4-3-2 unsuited (known as a ‘wheel’ or ‘number one’) is the best hand.

2. Straights, Flushes, and Pairs Count Against You: Unlike other lowball games, hands with straights, flushes, or pairs are ranked higher and, therefore, weaker in 2-7 Single Draw.

3. Aces are High: Aces always count as high, making 5-4-3-2-A a straight and a losing hand.

4. Unsuited Hands Are Better: Suits only matter if a hand has an unfavourable flush.

2-7 Single Draw Poker Rules

The 2-7 Single Draw Poker game is a type of five-card draw game. In it, lowball hand rankings are followed, i.e., the winner is the player with the best possible low-ranked hands. 

Here are the two types of lowball poker hand ranking systems:

• 2-7 Lowball

As the name suggests, 2 is the smallest and lowest-ranked card. The smallest possible hand here is 2-3-4-5-7. The number 6 is intentionally not desired as it would complete a straight, and in this lowball type, straights and flushes are undesirable.

• A-5 lowball

Ace can play both roles as the lowest and highest possible card in the sequence in A-5 lowball. Unlike 2-7 lowballs, straights and flushes are not undesirable hands. So, the lowest or the best hand possible is A-2-3-4-5, which remains best even when it can be a straight flush.

A 2-7 single-draw poker starts with each player being dealt five cards face down. Like Texas Hold’em and PLO, the seating positions on the table remain the same.

Once all the players have received five cards, the game begins with the first betting round, starting from the player sitting to the left of Big Blind, i.e., from Under The Gun. Based on the action folded in front of them, the players can choose whether to call, raise or fold their hands.

Once this betting round is over, the game moves to the second round, during which the players can discard the cards they want. The first player to make this move sits to the dealer's left. 

Every player can discard as many cards as they wish and exchange them with new cards by pushing those cards towards the dealer. There is a catch here: If someone wishes to discard all five cards, then the dealer will first exchange their first four cards. Then, the last card is given to them after the dealer has given the cards to all the other players on the table.

If a player decides not to exchange any of their cards, this is called a Stand Pat. If, for example, someone has a 2-3-4-5-7 as their card, they will Stand Pat.

After this drawing round, the final betting round starts. If all the players except one fold their hands, the only player left wins the game.

If more than one player survives this round, then the hands go to showdown. The player with the lowest best hand wins the game. The lowness of the hand is decided from highest to lowest cards. If a player has 9-6-5-4-2 and another player has 8-7-6-4-3, then the player with 8-7-6-4-3 wins. If both the players have the same highest card, then the second highest card is checked to break the tie and so on; for example, 7-5-4-3-2 beats 7-6-4-3-2.

How to Play 2-7 Single Draw?

1. The Deal: Each player is dealt five cards face-down.
2. First Betting Round: Players assess their hands and decide to check, bet, or fold.
3. The Draw: Players can discard any number of cards, including all five, if they like. The dealer then gives them the same number of replacement cards.
4. Second Betting Round: After the draw, another betting round occurs, where players can bet, call, raise, or fold.
5. Showdown: If multiple players remain after the second betting round, they reveal their hands. According to the 2-7 Single Draw rules, the player with the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot.

Strategies to Win in 2-7 Single Draw

• Starting Hand Selection

Lower unpaired cards are ideal starting hands, as they need minimal or no improvement. Example starting hands include:

• 7-5-4-3-2: This is the best hand, and you should not draw.
• 8-5-4-3-2: Another strong hand that is only beaten by 7-5-4-3-2.
• 9-6-4-3-2: A good drawing hand with potential. Replace the 9 for a chance at a strong low hand.



• Drawing Strategies

Players often draw cards to improve their hand, especially when starting with a higher card, like a 9 or 10. Here’s how to approach the draw:

• One-Card Draw: When holding hands like 9-5-4-3-2, replace the 9 to try for a lower card.
• Two-Card Draw: Sometimes, hands with two bad cards, like 10-7-4-3-2, benefit from a two-card draw, especially if those cards are high-ranking and unlikely to help you make a strong low hand.



• When to Stand Pat

If you are dealt a strong hand initially (for example, 7-5-4-3-2, 8-6-5-4-2), standing pat (not drawing any cards) is often beneficial. It puts psychological pressure on opponents, who may assume you hold a strong hand and fold.

• Bluffing Tactics

Single Draw 2-7 lowball game offers many bluffing opportunities since opponents cannot see the cards you discard or draw. Here are the most common bluffing tactics:

• Representing a Pat Hand: Draw no cards when you have a mediocre hand, such as 10-7-5-3-2. Betting you have a strong pat hand could lead opponents to fold.
• Aggressive Play After Draw: If your opponent drew multiple cards, a well-timed large bet can make them think you’ve landed a strong hand.

Examples Hands

Example Hand 1: You are dealt 9-5-4-3-2.

• Action: Draw one card, replacing the 9. You will have a strong low hand if you receive a 7 or 8.
• Post-Draw: If you draw a Queen or other high card, it may be best to fold if facing a bet, as a high-ranking low hand is rarely competitive.

Example Hand 2: You hold 8-6-5-4-2.

• Action: Stand pat. This hand is already close to optimal and only beaten by 7-5-4-3-2. Betting or raising here is strong because opponents need an excellent hand to call.

Example Hand 3: You have J-7-6-5-3.

• Action: Draw one card, replacing the Jack. You hope for a card lower than 7, ideally a 4 or 2, to complete a more competitive low hand.
• Post-Draw: If you get another high card (like a Queen), you can fold if facing a bet or attempt a bluff if you sense weakness in your opponents.

Example Hand 4: You are dealt 10-9-8-6-2.

• Action: Draw two cards, replacing the 10 and 9 to try for a better low hand.
• Post-Draw: If you draw a pair or a high card like a King, consider folding, as this hand is likely weak.

Variations of 2-7 Single Draw

Here are some popular variations of this game:

• No Limit 2 7 Poker Single Draw

In this variation, players can bet any amount of their chips at any time, leading to larger pots and more aggressive play. This format is commonly seen in tournaments and cash games.

• Pot Limit 2-7 Single Draw

Players can bet any amount up to the size of the pot. This variation balances no-limit aggression and fixed-limit strategy, allowing for strategic betting based on pot size.

• Fixed Limit 2-7 Single Draw

In fixed-limit games, players can only bet or raise a predetermined amount. This variation encourages more conservative play, as large bets can't be made to pressure opponents.

• Split Pot 2-7 Single Draw

In some home games, this variant allows for split pots, where the best low hand and the best high hand (if using wild cards or other variations) win half the pot. Players must decide whether to pursue a low or high hand.

• Wildcard 2-7 Single Draw

In this variation, specific cards are designated as wild, allowing players to use them as any card they need. It can lead to more complex hands and strategies.

• Blinds vs. Antes

Some games use a traditional blind structure (small and big blinds), while others use antes, where each player must contribute a set amount to the pot before dealing with the cards.

• Short Deck 2-7 Single Draw

This variation is played with a deck with all cards below six removed (2-5 are still considered low). It alters the dynamics of hand strength, as fewer cards are available to form combinations.

• 2-7 Single Draw with Straddles

In some cash games, players can post a straddle (an extra blind bet) before the hand begins. It can increase the size of the pot and create more action, leading to larger bets and raises.

• Double Board 2-7 Single Draw

In this variation, two boards are dealt, and players can use cards from either board to make their hands. The lowest hand from each board wins, creating a unique strategy for players as they assess the strengths of their hands against two separate sets of community cards.

2-7 Single Draw at the World Series of Poker (WSOP)

There has always been a special place for the 2-7 Single Draw poker game at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), and it is evident that it has always found its place in the event except twice, in 1999 and 2021. 

The first event, organised in 1973, had 11 participants, a $3,000 buy-in, and a $33,000 prize pool. To date, 53 editions of 2-7 Single Draw have occurred. The years with the highest payouts of all the editions are 2007 for Erik Seidel and 2008 for Mike Matusow, with $538,835 and $537,862, respectively. The buy-in amount was reduced for the first time in 1986 from $10,000 the previous year to $5,000 that year. This was the year when re-entries were brought into the picture for the first time, and this pattern continued until 2008.

Billy Baxter is the player who won the maximum number of titles (five times) in 1975, 1978, 1982, 1987, and 1993. The other players who won the title multiple times are Nick Schulman, Erik Seidel, John Bonetti, and Bobby Baldwin, who have won twice each.

2-7 Single Draw Championship Winners 1973-2019

2-7 Single Draw $1,500/$2,500 Event Winners 2009-19

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-7 Single Draw?

2 to 7 Single Draw, also known as Deuce-to-Seven Lowball, is a Poker variant where players aim to create the lowest possible five-card hand. Unlike traditional high-hand games, straights and flushes count against you, and aces are considered high. Players draw cards to improve their hands after a betting round, followed by a second betting round before a showdown.

How do hand rankings work in 2-7 Single Draw?

In Single Draw 2-7 game, the rankings prioritize low hands, with the best hand being 7-5-4-3-2 (unsuited). Straights, flushes, and pairs are ranked higher than lower hands, making them weaker. For example, 5-4-3-2-A is a losing hand due to the straight, and any pairs diminish hand strength. The objective is to create a hand without straights or flushes.

What strategies are effective in 2-7 Single Draw?

In 2-7 Draw Poker, players should aim for low, unpaired hands and avoid high cards. Bluffing can be a powerful tactic, especially when you have a nearly complete low hand. If you are dealt a strong hand or only need one card to complete it, play aggressively to maximize the pot.

How many cards can you draw in 2/7 single draw?

In a 2-7 single-draw poker game, each player is dealt five cards face down.

What is the best hand in the 2-7 single draw?

The best possible hand in the 2-7 single draw is 7-5-4-3-2.

Conclusion

2-7 Single Draw challenges players to think differently from traditional high-hand games. Players can develop a strategic edge by making the lowest possible hand and understanding unique hand rankings. The game offers a rewarding experience that combines skill, strategy, and psychological tactics, making it a must-try for any Poker enthusiast.