Lowball Poker: A Comprehensive Guide to the Underdog’s Game

Ever felt like traditional poker was getting a bit too predictable? At CoinPoker, we’re all about keeping the action flowing and the excitement high. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Lowball Poker. It’s like regular poker, but with the rankings flipped on their head. Let’s explore this action-packed poker variant that’s been quietly captivating players around the globe.

What is Lowball Poker?

Lowball poker refers to the set of poker games where the objective is to make the lowest hand possible.

Imagine sitting at a poker table, but instead of gunning for the highest hand, everyone’s trying to make the weakest hand instead of gunning for straights and flushes. This is Lowball Poker in all its contrarian glory. That eight-high you’d normally be embarrassed about? It might just be the winning hand. And that royal flush? Toss it in the muck — it’s no good here.

This topsy-turvy approach to poker creates a whole new dynamic at the table. Suddenly, players are celebrating when they’re dealt a handful of low cards, and groaning when they see a face card. It’s a game that challenges everything you thought you knew about poker strategy.

How Does Lowball Differ From Traditional Poker?

Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, the lowest hand wins, but how different can it really be?” Here are the key differences that make Lowball a whole new ball game:

1. Hand Rankings: The hand rankings are completely reversed. What’s bad in traditional poker is good in Lowball. This fundamental change forces players to completely rethink their approach to the game.
2. Straights and Flushes: Depending on the variant, these might not exist, or they might count against you. This adds an extra layer of complexity to hand evaluation.
3. Aces are Low: In most Lowball variants, Aces are always low. This transforms the Ace from the highest card in the deck to the lowest, a concept that can take some getting used to. In the case of 2-7 draw games, the Ace is still the high card, but that’s now the worst card to have.
4. Different Variants: There’s not just one type of Lowball. We’ve got Ace-to-Five, Deuce-to-Seven, and Ace-to-Six, each with their own quirky rules. Some of these are relatively rare, though. The most popular lowball games are Deuce-to-Seven variants.
5. Betting Structures: Many Lowball games use different betting structures than traditional poker variants. This can affect the pace and strategy of the game.
6. Drawing Rounds: Unlike community card games like Texas Hold’em, most Lowball variants include one or more drawing rounds where players can exchange cards. This adds a unique strategic element to the game.

These differences combine to create a poker experience that’s familiar enough to be accessible, but different enough to be exciting and challenging, even for seasoned poker veterans. Some of these feature in HORSE poker too.

Origins of the Game

This “worst is first” variant has roots that stretch back to the early days of poker in the American West. In the late 1800s, when poker was still finding its footing in saloons and on riverboats, creative players were already experimenting with different ways to play the game.

By the mid-20th century, Lowball had found its way into the card rooms of California, where it became a staple of the poker scene. It was here that the game really started to evolve, with different variations popping up and gaining popularity.

From those humble beginnings, Lowball quickly caught the eye of poker pros and recreational players alike. Why? Because it offered something different. In a world where Texas Hold’em had become as familiar as your morning coffee, Lowball Poker was a breath of fresh air.

The game’s popularity surged in the 1970s and 1980s, with variants like Razz and 2-7 Draw being included in the World Series of Poker. Today, Lowball continues to have a dedicated following, both in traditional casinos and online poker rooms.

Lowball Poker Variations

Lowball poker comes in several flavors, each with its own unique twist on the “lowest hand wins” concept. From the classic Ace-to-Five to the strategic Triple Draw, these variants offer a refreshing change of pace for poker enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the most popular lowball poker games and see what makes each one tick.

Ace-to-Five Lowball (California Lowball)

Ace-to-Five Lowball, also known as California Lowball, uses the “wheel” (5-4-3-2-A) as the best possible hand. Straights and flushes don’t count against you, and Aces are always low. It’s a game that rewards careful hand reading and the ability to bluff with conviction. This Ace to 5 variant often includes a joker, which acts as a wild card for the lowest possible rank in your hand.

2-to-7 Single Draw (Kansas City Lowball)

For those who like their Lowball with a side of simplicity, there’s Single Draw. Here’s the drill: you’re dealt five cards, there’s a round of betting, and then you get one shot to swap out cards. After the draw, there’s a final betting round, and then it’s showdown time. 

Single Draw can rock any Lowball ranking system, but it’s the Deuce-to-Seven version that’s stealing the spotlight at big tournaments like the World Series of Poker. In this variant, 7-5-4-3-2 is your golden ticket.

With just one draw, every decision is magnified. It’s a game of careful hand selection and the ability to read your opponents. There’s also some very interesting high-level bluffing strategies – sometimes you play the player, not the cards. Blink, and you might miss your chance to snag the pot with the “worst” hand at the table.

2-7 Triple Draw Lowball

In this game, you start with five cards, but don’t get too attached — you’ll have three chances to ditch and draw new ones. After each draw, there’s a betting round, giving you multiple opportunities to outwit your opponents. In 2-7 Triple Draw, also called Kansas City Lowball or Deuce-to-Seven Lowball, the best hand is 7-5-4-3-2. Unlike Ace-to-Five, straights and flushes do count against you, and Aces are high.

Ace-to-Six Lowball

Ace-to-Six Lowball occupies a unique position among lowball variants, blending elements from other games while maintaining its own identity. The best possible hand is 6-4-3-2-A, often referred to as “six-low” or “six-perfect”. As in Ace-to-Five, straights and flushes do not count against a player’s hand, and aces are always low. However, the inclusion of the six as the highest card in the ideal low hand sets it apart.

Razz Poker

Razz is a seven-card stud poker variant that uses Ace-to-Five Lowball rankings. You’re dealt seven cards throughout the hand, but only five make your final hand. The deal goes like this: two cards face down, one card face up to start. Then, as the betting rounds progress, you get three more face-up cards and a final card face down. With four betting rounds and cards dealt both face-up and face-down, Razz keeps you on your toes, testing your patience, memory, and ability to read opponents.

Lowball Poker Rules

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you play this upside-down version of poker:

1. The Setup: The game starts with antes or blinds, depending on the variant.
2. The Deal: Players are dealt five cards face down in draw games, or seven cards in stud games like Razz.
3. First Betting Round: Players bet on having the lowest hand.
4. The Draw: In draw games, players can discard and receive new cards.
5. Additional Betting Rounds: More betting follows each draw or deal.
6. Showdown: The lowest hand wins the pot.

Lowball Poker Hand Rankings

In Lowball Poker, the hand rankings have been turned on their head. But to make matters more exciting (or confusing, depending on your perspective), different variants of Lowball have different hand ranking systems. Let’s break down the most common ones:

1. Ace-to-Five Lowball (California Lowball)

In this variant, the best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A, also known as “the wheel.” Here’s how the hands rank, from best to worst:

1. 5-4-3-2-A (The Wheel)
2. 6-4-3-2-A
3. 6-5-3-2-A
4. 6-5-4-2-A
5. 6-5-4-3-A
6. 7-4-3-2-A … and so on

Remember, in Ace-to-Five, straights and flushes don’t count, and Aces are always low. It’s like poker went to bizarro world.

1. Deuce-to-Seven Lowball (Single Draw and Triple Draw)

In the most popular lowball variant, the best possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2 (not of the same suit). Here’s the ranking:

1. 7-5-4-3-2
2. 7-6-4-3-2
3. 7-6-5-3-2
4. 7-6-5-4-2
5. 8-5-4-3-2 … and so on

In Deuce-to-Seven, straights and flushes do count against you, and Aces are always high. It’s like regular poker, but in a funhouse mirror.

1. Ace-to-Six Lowball

This is the middle child of Lowball variants. Here, the best hand is 6-4-3-2-A. The ranking goes:

1. 6-4-3-2-A
2. 6-5-3-2-A
3. 6-5-4-2-A
4. 6-5-4-3-A
5. 7-4-3-2-A … and so on

In this variant, straights and flushes don’t count, and Aces are low.

Now, don’t worry if your head is spinning faster than a roulette wheel. Even seasoned pros sometimes need a moment to recalibrate when switching between games.

How to Play Lowball

Setting up the Game

Players post their antes or blinds. The dealer then distributes the cards according to the specific variant being played. In draw games, each player receives five cards face down. In stud games like Razz, the initial deal is two down cards and one up card.

Betting Rounds

Betting in Lowball follows a similar structure to traditional poker. There’s an initial betting round after the first deal, then additional rounds after each draw or deal of cards. The player with the best showing low hand typically acts first in stud games.

Winning Hands

At showdown, players reveal their hands, and the lowest hand according to the variant’s ranking system wins. For example, in Ace-to-Five, a hand of 5-4-3-2-A would beat 6-4-3-2-A. Remember, in some variants like Deuce-to-Seven, straights and flushes count against you, so 7-5-4-3-2 of mixed suits is the best possible hand.

Lowball Poker Strategies

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s level up your game. Here are five strategies to help you dominate the Lowball tables:

Embrace Weak Hands: 

In Lowball, those hands you’d normally insta-muck are suddenly your best friends. A hand like 7-5-4-3-2 in Deuce-to-Seven Lowball is the equivalent of a Royal Flush in regular poker. Learn to love your low cards!

Beware of “Power” Hands

On the flip side, those hands that would normally have you doing a happy dance are now your worst enemies. A pair of Aces in your starting hand? Chuck it!

Master the Draw

In draw variants of Lowball, knowing when and how many cards to draw is crucial. If you’re playing Ace-to-Five and you’ve got three cards to a wheel (like 4-3-2), it might be worth drawing two to try and complete your low hand.

Bluff with Caution

Bluffing in Lowball can be trickier than in regular poker. Since players are often drawing to improve their hand, they might be more likely to call your bets. When you do bluff, make sure you have some equity. Representing a strong low hand is more effective than a pure bluff.

Use Position

Just like in regular poker, position is power in Lowball. Being last to act gives you more information and control over the pot. Use your position to your advantage. In late position, you can play more hands and put pressure on your opponents.

Remember, the key to mastering Lowball is understanding how the altered hand rankings change the game. That pair you’d normally be thrilled about? No thanks. Those pretty-looking suited face cards? They might just be your downfall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned pros can stumble in the Lowball arena. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overvaluing Pairs: In regular poker, a pair can be a strong hand. In Lowball, it’s usually a one-way ticket to Loserville.
• Forgetting the Variant: Nothing’s more embarrassing than slow-rolling with your 6-5-4-3-A in Ace-to-Five Lowball, only to realize you’re playing Deuce-to-Seven and your opponent’s 7-5-4-3-2 beats you.
• Drawing Too Many Cards: While drawing cards can improve your hand, drawing too many can be a recipe for disaster. Remember, the more cards you draw, the more likely you are to pair up.
• Ignoring Opponents: Just because the game is backwards doesn’t mean you can ignore your opponents. Pay attention to their betting patterns and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Playing Too Many Hands: The excitement of Lowball can be intoxicating, but don’t let it cloud your judgment. Not every low card is worth playing.

Tips to Improve your Lowball Poker Game

Want to step up your Lowball game? Here are some tips:

• Practice online for free to get comfortable with the reversed hand rankings.
• Start with Ace-to-Five Lowball, as it’s generally considered the easiest variant for beginners.
• Pay close attention to your opponents’ discards in draw games.
• In stud games like Razz, remember that much of your opponents’ hands are visible.
• Don’t be afraid to fold if you don’t hit your draw – chasing in Lowball can be costly.

The Psychology of Lowball Poker

Playing Lowball isn’t just about learning new hand rankings; it’s about completely rewiring your poker brain. You need to train yourself to get excited about hands that would normally make you fold in traditional poker.

This reversal of hand strength can lead to some serious cognitive dissonance. You might find yourself hesitating to bet with the nuts, or feeling an urge to raise with a hand you’d normally fold. It’s like your poker instincts are suddenly speaking a foreign language.

Bluffing in Lowball presents unique challenges, too. In regular poker, when you bluff, you’re typically representing a strong hand. But in Lowball, a strong hand is a bad hand. So when you’re bluffing, are you representing a good bad hand or a bad good hand? Lowball poker strategies offer a whole different look at traditional poker gameplay.

This twisted logic can lead to some fascinating mental gymnastics at the table. You might find yourself trying to look disappointed when you hit your draw, or gleeful when you pair up. Up is down, left is right, and bad is, well, good!

Embracing the Lowball Mindset

Lowball Poker offers a unique twist on traditional poker, challenging players to think differently about hand values and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge or a curious novice ready to expand your poker horizons, Lowball poker offers something unique. While we at CoinPoker don’t currently offer Lowball variants, the skills you’ve learned here can give you a fresh perspective on our other exciting poker games. Remember, in poker as in life, sometimes you have to go low to aim high!