How to Play Deuce to Seven Triple Draw (2-7 Low Ball) - Rules, Etc

Deuce to Seven Triple Draw Poker has shrunk in popularity recently and you will now usually only find it as a tournament event or as part of a multi-game table...such as the 8 Game rotation on Poker Stars.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Deuce to Seven Triple Draw Game

1. 
   Winning Deuce Hand from the 2-7 Triple Draw Event at the World Series of Poker

   Object of the Game
   Deuce to Seven Triple Draw Lowball (say that five times fast) is one of the few poker games where you do not see any of your opponents' cards until show down at the end of the hand. The game is dealt by giving each player five cards face down. The object of the game is to have the lowest five cards after three drawing opportunities. Unlike Omaha, Razz, or Stud Hi/Lo where straights and flushes do not count against you...in Deuce they DO count against you. You must have the lowest five cards without a straight or a flush. Another difference between Deuce and all other low games is that in Deuce aces are HIGH not low. This means that the best possible hand you can finish with in 2-7 Triple Draw is 23457. This hand is also know by the slang "Number One." "Number Two" in Deuce would be 23467 and so on.

2. 
   Most 2-7 Triple Draw is Played with a Structured Limit

   Betting Structure
   Deuce to Seven Triple Draw is sometimes played No Limit, but most commonly you will see it played in a structured limit format. Let's say, for example, that the limit you are playing is $2/$4. There will be blinds in this game just like in Hold 'Em. At $2/$4 limit the Big Blind will be $2 and the Small Blind will be $1. There is a round of betting, in $2 increments, when players receive their initial 5 cards. After this players may discard as many cards as they like (face down)and receive that many drawn cards from the deck. There is then another $2 round of betting. This is followed by a second and then a third drawing round each of which has a round of $4 betting afterwards. Lowest 5 cards wins.

3. 
   Position Plays a Very Important Role in Deuce to Seven Triple Draw

   Basic Strategy
   Because you cannot see any of your opponents cards or any community cards, position (relative to the button) is more important in Deuce to Seven Triple Draw than in any other poker game. The only information you will be able to glean about what your opponent holds in their hand is from how many cards they discard and whether or not they bet or raise. Because of this, you can and should play only extremely good starting hands from out of position and you should loosen up your guidelines as you are closer to the button and being last to act.
   As a general rule, I will not play hands from out of position unless I have four cards to a 7 or an 8 or I have three cards to a 7 including both the deuce and the seven. From the button I will play any three cards to an 8 or a 7. Beyond the first draw you must use pot odds to calculate your decision just as you would in other poker games.

Tips & Warnings

• Poker Stars offers game rotations that include Deuce to Seven Triple Draw Lowball
• Never gamble with money that you cannot afford to lose.

[glennplantone]

on 5/12/2009 Since I live in Vegas maybe I should go out and try this!

[sonni57]

on 5/3/2009 I don't understand poker too well but this sounds like maybe I could do it.