2-7 Triple Draw

Introduction

Imagine a scenario: you are playing a poker tournament with increased stakes. You have bet everything you have, but when you look at your cards, you find 2 and 3 as your hole cards, and the board has 4-5-7-9-8. You realise you have the worst lowest hand possible. What will you do? Your money is gone. But what if I say you didn’t lose anything, and in fact, you won the game? Sounds surprising? It’s true; a variation is called a 2-7 triple draw when you win by making the lowest hand possible.

But what is this game all about? How do you play? What are the rules? We will answer all your questions and cover everything about the game.

What is a 2-7 Triple Draw?

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

How to Play 2-7 Triple Draw?

You must have a basic understanding of poker rules as it is a poker variant. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play:

Blinds

Like other poker variants, Triple Draw starts with a forced bet. It is played using a fixed-limit structure and comprises a small blind and big blind or an ante and bring-in.

Deal

Five cards are dealt to each player, facing down.

First Betting Round

The player sitting on the left side of the big blind starts the first betting round. You have three options: to fold, call, or raise.

First Draw

You can discard and replace cards to improve your hand in the initial draw. While you may opt for up to three draws, you can take fewer if you are content with your current cards. Players take turns in the drawing.

Second Betting Round

After the first draw, another betting round starts 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.

2-7 Triple Draw Hand Rankings

The aim of the 2-7 Triple Draw is to make the lowest possible hand. This means hands like Flush or straight work against you. Hence, a hand like 6-5-4-3-2-1 is not good; you cannot consider it a 6-low. So, what will be the best possible hand?

The best hand you can make is 7-5-4-3-2-1 with no flush. It is called a wheel or number 1. The next best hand is 7-6-4-3-2 without flush, number 2.

Here are the top ten best hands in a 2-7 triple draw:

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 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 mainly 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.

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 two cards (discarding 8♠ and 7♦).
• Player B draws two 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 two 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 two new cards.

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

Player B discards 8♦ and 7♠, drawing two 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 two 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.

Making Hands in 2-7 Triple Draw

Making hands in 2-7 Triple Draw requires a strategic approach to drawing cards and deciding which to keep and discard. Here are some pointers which you must consider before making hands in 2-7 Triple Draw:

Making a Low Hand

Before making a hand in a 2-7 Triple Draw, you must know that you win by making the low hand in a 2-7 Triple Draw. Look for five unpaired cards that are ranked 7seven or lower.

Avoid Pairs and High Cards

Avoid keeping pairs of high cards, as they reduce your chance of making a low hand. Discard these cards as soon as possible.

Pat Hand

In a rare case, you might get a pat hand, meaning you don't draw any cards. Pat hands are considered strong hands.

2-7 Triple Draw Betting Actions

Here’s a list of different betting actions for 2-7 triple Draw:

• Check: To Check means to choose not to bet.
• Bet: Placing a wager in the pot.
• Call: Matching the existing bet made by another player.
• Raise: Increasing the existing bet value.
• Fold: Discarding your hand and quitting.

Difference Between Perfect, Smooth and Rough in 2-7 Triple Draw

2-7 Triple Draw at the WSOP

2-7 Triple Draw first appeared at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2007 when a $1000 rebuy event was added, although 2-7 Single Draw has been in the WSOP since 1973.

From 2008 to 2013, the buy-in increased to $2,500, and in 2014, it again increased to $10,000 when the 2-7 Triple Draw Championship was introduced. Another event, the $1,500 buy-in 2-7 Triple Draw Event, was added in 2014.

WSOP 2-7 Triple Draw Championship 2007-19

WSOP $1,500 2-7 Triple Draw 2014-19

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. Players must make calculated discards and draws to acquire 7-5-4-3-2, the finest feasible combination.

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 limits the amount 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

This was all about 2-7 Triple Draw or lowball poker, which shares similarities with regular poker but has unique gameplay and hand ranking. You just have to adjust your strategies, and you're good to go. Learn the nitty-gritty of the game, observe your opponent's gameplay and betting style, and the chips are yours.