2-7 Triple Draw Strategy

If you need an overview of the game check out our How to Play 2-7 Triple Draw article.  For a quick refresher, 2-7 card triple draw is a lowball poker variant where you start with 5 cards dealt face down to every player.  You then get three draws of up to 4 cards to put together the lowest possible hand.  Some variations in this game as compared to other lowball games is that an ace is considered high only and straights and flushes count as high hands. Suits have no effect on a winning hand unless you hold a flush.

When playing this poker variant it is important to keep in mind that if you are playing a limit version, it is unlikely that someone will fold any decent hand and keep drawing on you till the end.  Bluffing is almost impossible and not recommended.  If no limit or pot limit then you can take a more aggressive approach at bluffing and betting people out of pots.

In 2-7 triple draw there is one card than can cause you more problems than any other, the six.  Why is the six so much trouble? Cause in 2-7 lowball games a straight is considered high and the six is the clutch card that can turn your low into a straight. This is the one low card you may want to discard more often than not.

Good starting hands in 2-7 triple draw would 3 cards or better that are below an 8.  You want one of the lowest cards to be a 2 or a 3.  Of course 4 cards below an 8 are ideal.  You have to be careful however that you realize how many cards can help you.  

For an example a starting hand of 3456J looks really good but before you start thinking about drawing one you have to realize that the only card that can really help you is the 2.  A 3 or a 7 makes a straight and ruins your hand.  Here is a good example of hoe discarding the 6 will actually help you increase the number of cards that will help you.

As far as betting is concerned, basically you should be raising with a one card draw to a 8 low or better as long as there is no way your low can turn into a straight. You should call one bet when drawing 2 to an 8 low or better, or call a raise when drawing 2 to a 7 low or better.  

 An 8 low will when its fair share of pots just become weary if someone is raising and standing pat.  If you have a seven low you should try and get as much money in the pot as possible.  9 lows can be a little tricky especially in a limit game.  If you have one draw left, standing pat on a 9 low would not be a bad play if you know everyone else is drawing.  Calling one bet with a 9 low is ok but would not call a raise.

2-7 triple draw is a fun game that can be highly profitable.  Having the right strategy going in can put you above the rest of the table.  Remember though that this is poker and being out drawn no matter what you have is inevitable.  Keep your composure and stick with the winning strategy.  It will all come back to you in the end.