2-7 Triple Draw

Introduction

The card game in which the player with the worst hand wins - yes, we are talking about 2-7 Triple Draw!

Unlike most Poker games, where high hands are preferred, in 2-7 Triple Draw, you have to make the best low hand.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to play 2-7 Triple Draw. 

What is a 2-7 Triple Draw?

2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball poker variant in which the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. The hand rankings are different from those of standard Poker. 

2-7 Trip Draw Hand Rankings

Seven-Card Low: 7-5-4-3-2 (the best hand).

Eight-Card Low: 8-5-4-3-2 (second-best).

Nine-Card Low: 9-5-4-3-2, etc.

High Card: The lowest hand wins if it's not straight or flush.

In 2-7 Triple Draw, straights and flushes count against you, so a hand like 7-5-4-3-2 of different suits (a non-flush) is better than 7-5-4-3-2 of the same suit (a flush).

2-7 Triple Draw Rules

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play:

Blinds: Triple Draw is played using a structure of fixed limits. Typically, the game will comprise a small blind and big blind or, alternatively, an ante and bring-in.

Card Distribution: Five private cards are dealt to each player, facing down.

First Betting Round: The initial betting round commences with the participant on the left side of either the big blind or bring-in beginning. Contestants have three options: to fold, call, or raise.

First Draw: In the initial draw, players can discard and replace cards to enhance their hand. While each player may opt for up to three draws, they are welcome to take fewer if they are content with their current cards. Players take turns in the drawing.

Second Betting Round: After the first draw, another betting round occurs, starting with the player to the dealer's left.

Second Draw: Players again have the opportunity to discard and draw up to three new cards.

Third Betting Round: Another betting round takes place after the second draw.

Third Draw: Players have one final opportunity to discard and draw cards.

Final Betting Round: A final betting round occurs after the last draw.

Showdown: Players reveal their hands if more than one player remains after the final betting round. The player with the lowest hand wins the pot

Examples of 2-7 Triple Draw 

Example 1: Basic Hand

Player A: 8♠ 7♦ 6♠ 4♥ 3♦

Player B: 10♠ 9♥ 7♣ 6♦ 5♠

First Draw:

• Player A draws 2 cards (discarding 8♠ and 7♦).
• Player B draws 2 cards (discarding 10♠ and 9♥).

After First Draw:

Player A: 7♦ 6♠ 4♥ 3♦ 2♠ (7-6-4-3-2 - a strong low hand)

Player B: 9♥ 7♣ 6♦ 5♠ 4♣ (7-6-5-4-2 - a better low hand)

Betting Rounds:

Player B bets heavily, and Player A calls.

Second Draw:

• Player A keeps their hand.
• Player B discards 9♥ and draws 2 new cards.

After Second Draw:

Player A: 7♦ 6♠ 4♥ 3♦ 2♠

Player B: 7♠ 5♦ 4♣ 3♠ 2♥ (7-5-4-3-2 - still the best hand)

Betting Rounds:

Player B bets heavily again, and Player A folds.

Winner:

Player B wins with a 7-5-4-3-2 hand.

Example 2: Discarding Strategy

Initial Deal:

Player A: 9♣ 8♠ 7♦ 6♠ 5♦

Player B: 10♦ 9♦ 8♥ 7♣ 6♥

First Draw:

Player A discards 9♣ and 8♠, drawing 2 new cards.

Player B discards 10♦ and 9♦, drawing 2 new cards.

After First Draw:

Player A: 7♦ 6♠ 5♦ 3♠ 2♠ (7-6-5-3-2 - a strong low hand)

Player B: 8♥ 7♣ 6♥ 5♠ 4♦ (8-7-6-5-4 - a worse hand)

Betting Rounds:

Player A bets, and Player B calls.

Second Draw:

Player A keeps their hand.

Player B discards 8♥ and 7♣, drawing 2 new cards.

After Second Draw:

Player A: 7♦ 6♠ 5♦ 3♠ 2♠

Player B: 7♠ 6♠ 5♦ 4♣ 3♦ (7-6-5-4-3 - still behind Player C’s hand)

Betting Rounds:

Player A bets heavily, and Player B folds.

Winner:

Player A wins with a 7-6-5-3-2 hand.

Example 3: Bluffing

Initial Deal:

Player A: 10♠ 9♦ 7♣ 5♠ 4♣

Player B: 8♦ 7♠ 6♦ 5♣ 4♥

First Draw:

Player A discards 10♠ and 9♦, drawing 2 new cards.

Player B discards 8♦ and 7♠, drawing 2 new cards.

After First Draw:

Player A: 7♣ 5♠ 4♣ 3♠ 2♣ (7-5-4-3-2 - a strong low hand)

Player B: 6♦ 5♣ 4♥ 3♠ 2♦ (6-5-4-3-2 - a better hand)

Betting Rounds:

Player B bets aggressively, leading Player A to question their hand.

Second Draw:

Player A discards 7♣ and 5♠, drawing 2 new cards.

Player B keeps their hand.

After Second Draw:

Player A: 5♦ 4♣ 3♠ 2♣ (7-5-4-3-2)

Player B: 6♦ 5♣ 4♥ 3♠ 2♦

Betting Rounds:

Player B continues to bet aggressively, but Player A decides to fold.

Winner:

Player B wins with a 6-5-4-3-2 hand, having successfully bluffed Player A into folding.

2-7 Trip Draw Strategy

Starting Hands&

Strong Hands: Begin with hands like 7-5-4-3-2 or close to it. A starting hand like 8-6-4-3-2 or 7-6-4-3-2 is also promising.

Avoid Hands containing cards that contribute to straights or flushes. For instance, hands like 7-6-5-4-3 (straight) or any hand with multiple cards of the same suit should be folded.

Drawing Strategy

First Draw: Discard cards that do not contribute to a strong low hand. For example, if you have a hand like 8-6-4-3-2, you might hold 6-4-3-2 and discard the 8.

Second and Third Draws: Depending on your hand's improvement, you may need to adjust your strategy. Often, you will be looking to improve to the best possible lowhand. Discard high cards or cards that are part of potential straights.

Betting and Position

Early Position: In early positions, be more selective with your hands. If you are likely to face raises, ensure your hand is strong before committing.

Late Position: You can be a bit more aggressive in late position, especially if you have a strong draw or are trying to steal the pot.

Reading Opponents

Observe Discards: Pay attention to the cards your opponents discard. This can give you insights into the hands they are drawing for.

Betting Patterns: Watch how opponents bet and draw. Aggressive betting can sometimes indicate a strong hand, but it could also be a bluff.

Adjustments

Aggressive Play: If you have a strong draw or a made hand, aggressive play can often be profitable. This applies particularly when your opponents are likely to fold weaker hands.

Defensive Play: When unsure about your hand or your opponent’s hands, it might be better to play more conservatively and fold when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 2-7 Triple Draw different from other poker games?

Unlike most poker games, where the highest hand wins, the 2-7 Triple Draw is distinctive for being a lowball game in which the lowest hand emerges victorious. Its exceptional feature lies in its inverted hand rankings, which assign a negative value to straights and flushes. To acquire 7-5-4-3-2, the finest feasible combination, players must make calculated discards and draws.

How does betting work in a 2-7 Triple Draw?

Betting in 2-7 Triple Draw is structured into multiple rounds before and after each draw. Players bet based on their current hand strength and their draw strategy. The fixed-limit structure means there are limits on the amount that can be bet or raised during each round.

What are common mistakes to avoid in 2-7 Triple Draw?

Common mistakes include drawing to hands that could result in a straight or flush and failing to adjust betting strategy based on hand improvement and position. Overvaluing marginal hands and not paying attention to opponents' discards can also lead to mistakes.

Conclusion

In contrast to traditional games, where strong cards, straights or flushes are the keys to victory, lowball Poker is all about having the lowest possible hand. To succeed in this unique style of play requires a different approach and strategy - often requiring decisions that seem counterintuitive compared with standard poker principles. Observing their betting patterns and drawing habits is crucial to develop strategies and predict your opponent's hand strength. As you continue playing 2-7 Triple Draw, quick decision-making skills will improve, allowing you to outsmart opponents more efficiently.