Introduction
Lowball Poker refers to a draw variant of the game which requires players to form the lowest possible hand of poker according to traditional poker hand rankings. While there are several different types of lowball poker, most see the player dealt five cards face down, and this is followed by a betting round. Players left in the game after the first round are allowed to draw by replacing cards in their hand with new ones.
Triple Draw Lowball Poker refers to the variant of Lowball that is available either as ace-to-five or deuce-to-seven. Essentially, Triple Draw Poker is played with three draw phases and is considered quite a popular option amongst professional poker players.
Triple Draw Poker is traditionally played for very high stakes in Vegas poker rooms, and is also found online at varying stakes. The game is usually offered in limit, no limit and pot limit versions. Click for information on hand rankings, history, pot odds, strategy, terminology, freerolls and no deposit poker bonuses.
How to Play
The following rules apply to both forms of Triple Draw Poker – Ace to Five and Deuce to Seven.
Betting Rules
The betting structure in Triple Draw is the same as in Texas Hold ‘em, in that the first two betting rounds all wagers and raises are equal to the lower bet, while the last two betting rounds calls for wagers and raises to equal the higher bet.
Game Format
- The player to the left of the dealer posts a blind bet.
- Each player is dealt five cards.
- A round of betting follows.
- The first person to bet is the one seated to the left of the player who posted the big blind.
- Any players left in the Triple Draw Poker game after the first betting round may now draw, ie. discard and replace any cards from their hand. They can replace none, all or some of their cards.
- The first person to draw is the one seated to the left of the dealer.
- Another round of betting begins, starting with the player seated to the dealer’s left.
- In all, three rounds of draws and four rounds of betting take place in Three Draw Poker.
- Discarded cards may be shuffled and reused if there are not enough cards to serve consequent draws.
Hand Rankings
Hand rankings depend on whether Ace to Five or Deuce to Seven variants are being played.
Deuce to Seven Triple Draw Poker
- The two is the lowest card.
- The Ace only plays high.
- Straights or flushes count against the player.
- 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 is the best hand in this variant.
- The second best hand is 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
- The Royal Flush is the worst possible hand in Three Draw Poker.
Ace to Five Triple Draw Poker
- Aces are played low.
- Straights and Flushes do not count against the player.
- The best possible hand is the wheel, consisting of Ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- The second best hand is Ace, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Strategies and Tips
- Don’t make the most common mistake made by players in any type of lowball and remember that cards are counted from high card down. As an example, a 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 hand will beat a 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 hand.
- Play conservatively until you hit a ‘monster’ hand.
- Discard a hand that has a high card of nine or more.
- The player with a seven high hand, or even eight, should bet hard on every round as these hands have a 90% chance of at least splitting the pot.
- Triple Draw is a fast-playing game and players should not attempt it if they are not confident with their pace.
Conclusion
Triple Draw Poker, a popular Lowball Poker version, has earned itself the reputation of being a high-roller game but it can also be played for much lower stakes at online casinos. Based on the traditional draw poker rules, Triple Draw offers the game with a twist and has managed to build itself up an excellent following of players. |
