What is 2-7 Triple Draw? A Guide to the Lowball Poker Variant

Lucky Strategist

· Oct 30 - 4 min read

What is 2-7 Triple Draw? A Guide to the Lowball Poker Variant

Forget what you know about good starting hands in poker, as they don’t apply in 2-7 Triple Draw. This draw poker variant uses a lowball ranking system and can improve their hands by drawing more cards from the deck during the betting rounds.

In this guide, we’ll examine how to play 2-7 Triple Draw in more detail, showing you hand rankings and explaining the rules and strategies.

What is 2-7 Triple Draw?

Also known as Deuce to Seven and Kansas City Lowball, this poker variant has gained much traction in the last few years. It has become popular among many top poker professionals, who have influenced countless amateurs and aspiring professionals to follow in their footsteps.

It is a five-card poker game whose goal is to make the best hand. The difference is that the “best” hand is based on a lowball system, so it’s not the same as variants like Five Card Draw, Texas Hold’em, and Omaha.

The best possible hand in 2-7 Triple Draw is an unsuited 2, 3, 4, 5, 7. It wouldn’t mean anything other than a 7-high in Texas Hold’em, and it would likely lose the showdown, but in games of 2-7 Triple Draw, it’s the nuts. Other top hands in order from best to worst include:

2, 3, 4, 6, 7
2, 3, 4, 6, 8
3, 4, 6, 7, 9
2, 4, 5, 6, 10
3, 4, 5, 6, 10

The lowest pocket pair in poker games like Hold’em is considered a tough hand, but it can still be improved. In 2-7 Triple Draw, it’s generally a terrible hand, as all pairs are considered bad.

If you’re new to this game but have experience with other poker variants, the easiest way of understanding 2-7 Triple Draw hand rankings is that the best hands there are the worst hands here, and what would win a game of Hold’em every time is likely to lose a game of 2-7 Triple Draw every time.

The Ace in 2-7 Triple Draw

The ace is treated as a high card in 2-7 Triple Draw, and as the goal is to get a low-scoring five-card hand, it’s not a good card to have in your hand. So, a 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 will always beat an ace, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Straights and flushes are always bad. If you look at the hand rankings above, you’ll notice that the best ones are close to being a straight but haven’t quite gotten there. That’s because while a straight is good in many other poker games, it’s not a favorable hand in 2-7 Triple Draw.

How to Play 2-7 Triple Draw Poker

Games of 2-7 Triple Draw are structured as follows:

Blinds: Blinds are paid before the game begins. As with Hold’em, the players sitting to the dealer’s left post small and big blinds.
Before the Draw: All players are dealt five face-down cards. The player sitting to the left of the big blind makes the first bet after the draw, and the play proceeds clockwise from there. In this respect, it works like Texas Hold’em and Omaha games.
The Draw: After the first betting round, players can decide how many of their cards they wish to discard. They can change from zero through five and are given new cards from the deck to replace the ones they discarded.
After the Draw: There are three more betting rounds after the draw, with two more options to discard/change cards. This is where the name “triple draw” comes from.
Showdown: At the end of the betting round, all players in the hand enter a showdown. Their cards are revealed, and the one with the best 2-7 Triple Draw hand is declared the pot winner.

Limits in 2-7 Triple Draw

2-7 Triple Draw is mainly played with fixed limits, so players can’t go all-in as they please. However, no limit 2-7 Triple Draw has become more popular recently, and you may see the occasional game in your preferred online or offline casino.

Strategies for 2-7 Triple Draw

Whether you’re playing no limit or limit 2-7 Triple Draw, remember the following tips to help you succeed.

Get Rid of High Cards: They won’t do you any favors here.
Keep Low Cards: Low, unconnected cards are best, so hold onto cards like 6 and 7. The 2 is also one of the strongest cards in the deck. It’s generally dismissed in other poker variants, but it can help you to form all of the best hands in this game.
Don’t Chase Big Hold’em Hands: If you’re used to Texas Hold’em, it will be tempting to hold onto straights, flushes, and four-of-a-kinds, but they won’t do you any good, so swap them early.
Consider your Opponent’s Draws: You can judge what your opponent has based on their bets and draws. If they bet big and aggressively each time but then change all of their cards, they have nothing and are just hoping to catch a lucky hand. Check out our guide on how to read opponents hands in poker to learn more.

Finally, if you’re new to 2-7 Triple Draw, consider playing some practice games to get used to it. There are many free and low-stake options out there, and you can also try your luck in a freeroll or two. When you are ready, you can transition to real money wagers.

Summary: What is 2-7 Triple Draw?

2-7 Triple Draw is one of many poker variants currently growing in popularity, with more players and tournaments than ever before. As with games like Badugi, it adopts a unique approach to classic poker hand values while maintaining some common elements, such as positions and betting rounds.