Welcome to the upside-down world of lowball poker, where the aim of the game is to build the weakest hand. This article breaks down basic lowball poker rules and gameplay, introduces the most popular lowball variants, and offers a selection of lowball poker strategy tips.

What Is Lowball Poker

If, like many players out there, you’re looking for types of poker other than Texas Hold’em, you may want to have a go at lowball poker. The reason? Lowball poker rules are completely different from Texas Hold’em rules, so you can get a totally different way of looking at the game.

How Lowball Differs from Traditional Poker

The word “lowball” refers to a category of low-hand ranking poker games. What the different types of lowball poker have in common is that the winning conditions are the reverse of more popular poker variants such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. In those, it’s always the strongest poker hand that wins, thus the hand that’s highest on the hand ranking system. In lowball poker, it’s the lowest hand that wins the pot.

Origins and Popularity of Lowball Variants

It isn’t clear exactly when lowball poker first appeared. Some say it emerged in the early 1900s, while others claim it’s as old as poker itself. What is known is that some lowball variants have become popular on the poker circuit, especially tournaments in the HORSE format. In addition to Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, this format includes two lowball variants: Razz and Eight or Better. These are the types of poker you can play with friends who enjoy a challenge.

Key Rules of Lowball Poker

Lowball is a category, not a variant in itself—you can have a lowball version of most any poker game. The key rule is that the best hands in lowball poker are low hands, based on two main hand ranking systems.

According to Five (A-5) lowball poker rules, the lowest five-card poker hand wins. Aces are low, and straights and flushes count for nothing, so the nuts consist of A-2-3-4-5, also known as the “wheel.”

In the Deuce to Seven (2-7) system, aces are high, while straights and flushes are discounted. This means the best hand is 2-3-4-5-7.

Popular Types of Lowball Poker

The most popular of these lesser-known poker variants are Triple Draw, A-5 Lowball, and Razz.

2-7 Triple Draw (Deuce to Seven)

This lowball poker strategy game is for 2-7 players using a standard 52-card deck. Each player pays an ante, then five cards are dealt face down to each player.

Four betting rounds take place, the first before the first draw, and the next three after each of the three draws. During these rounds, players can bet, call, raise, or fold.

After the first, second, and third betting rounds, players can discard cards and draw new ones.

After the fourth and final betting round, remaining players show their hands, and the lowest hand wins. In 2-7 Triple Draw, the best lowball poker hand is 2-3-4-5-7.

A-5 Lowball (Ace to Five)

Also known as California Lowball, this is the original single-draw lowball game in which players are dealt cards, bet, draw, and go to showdown. Aces are low, so the top hand is A-2-3-4-5. For more sophisticated gameplay, Ace to Five Triple Draw poker plays out the same as 2-7 Triple Draw, only with aces low.

Razz (Seven Card Low)

As mentioned, those seeking to join HORSE tournaments will need a handle on razz poker games. Here’s a quick overview.

After paying antes, players are dealt seven cards each. First, they get two cards face down and one card face up. This is the door card, and the player with the highest door card has to “bring in” the bet. They can either place a bet equal to the ante, or “complete the bet” by betting the same amount as the small bet.

After that, the first betting round takes place. Then comes Fourth Street, and each remaining player gets another face-up card. The player with the lowest exposed hand is now the first to act.

This is followed by Fifth Street—players get a fifth up-card, and the lowest-handed player acts first. Sixth Street plays out in the same way, then a final seventh card is dealt face down on Seventh Street. After a final betting round, remaining players reveal their hands, and the lowest A-5 hand wins.

Other Notable Variants

Advanced lowball poker strategy comes into play with Eight-or-Better games such as Omaha 8 and Stud 8, also known as Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, respectively. In these split pot games, you can play to win a high hand, a low hand, or both. A qualifying low hand must contain five unpaired cards ranked 8 or less. If no player has a qualifying low hand, the best high hand scoops the whole pot. These variants are often present in tournaments with mixed poker games.

Strategy Tips for Lowball Poker

A key part of learning how to play the different types of poker is to grasp the strategic mindset behind each one. The most important of all lowball poker tips for beginners is to be patient. In addition to the low hand rules, lowball games also typically have a Limit betting structure, meaning that there’s a cap on how much players can bet at once. This means players can’t intimidate opponents by going all-in. As a result, lowball favors more strategic players with the ability to carefully weigh up the odds.

Reading Opponents and Drawing Wisely

Reading opponents in poker is always present, and lowball is no exception. The most important thing to keep in mind here is that the player who draws the fewest cards is the one who drives the action. If another player has drawn fewer cards than you, then it’s best to check to them—unless you know their poker tells very well and have reason to believe they’re bluffing.

In general, a wise player will treat drawing with caution. What you don’t want is to draw a card that gives you a pair, flush, or straight. Keep an eye on players who draw too many cards, as chances are they’re just making things worse for themselves.

Bluffing in Lowball Games

Bluffing is less important in lowball because the usual Limit betting structure limits opportunities to either go all in or grow the pot in hopes of luring outgunned opponents to be crushed at showdown. 

That said, players who excel in the art of the poker bluff will enjoy making the maneuver called a “snow.” This is when you convert your draw into a bluff by standing pat (drawing zero cards), then representing a strong hand through aggressive actions. Done right, this can be enough to force an opponent to fold.

Mistakes to Avoid

Give yourself a chance by avoiding these rookie errors.

• Overvaluing pairs: A pair can be a strong hand in regular poker, but it usually loses in lowball.
• Drawing too many cards: Be careful of drawing to improve your hand. The more cards you draw, the more likely you are to draw a pair.
• Playing too many hands: One of the most common mistakes in poker games is playing just to see what the outcome will be, without duly evaluating the situation.

Where To Play Lowball Poker Online

If you’re looking to broaden your horizons beyond the familiar Texas Hold’em poker game variations, you can try different types of Stud Poker with lowball rules at BetMGM. For the ultimate challenge, try Omaha or Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo.

Play Poker Online at BetMGM

Keen to explore different types of lowball poker? Sign up at BetMGM to play poker with real money, including Hi/Lo variants of Omaha and Stud. First time at BetMGM? Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, you can claim an online poker welcome bonus to start your career.