When most people think of poker, they think of securing the highest possible hand to take home the big win. However, 2-7 Single Draw Poker puts a refreshing twist on an old classic, challenging players to make the lowest possible hand to win. For those who already know how to play poker, this can be an interesting new challenge, one that requires a fresh approach. In this guide to 2-7 Single Draw Poker, we break down the game’s key components and highlight the best poker sites to play the game.
What is 2-7 Card Single Draw Poker?
2-7 Single Card Draw Poker flips the traditional rules of the game on their head. It is what is known as a ‘lowball’ game, with the objective being to form the worst possible five-card poker hand based on standard hand rankings. To make things even more difficult, a straight or a flush automatically invalidates your hands, and an ace is always high.
The ‘single draw’ aspect of the game’s name refers to the fact players have only one opportunity to change up their hand, which is the same as 5 Card Draw Poker, another popular poker variant.
Here are the best online poker sites in the UK.
Game Rules in 2-7 Single Draw Poker
If you have played traditional poker, then you should have no problem learning how to play 2-7 Single Draw Poker. The game has fewer rounds than traditional variations of the game, which also makes it a little easier for newcomers.
Blinds: Before a card is dealt, two players to the left of the dealer must place predetermined small and big blind bets. In some instances, antes are also used, but this is not as common in 2-7 Single Draw Poker.
The Deal: Each player is dealt five cards face down in a clockwise direction.
First Betting Round: Players now check their cards and everyone at the table makes their first move, with the player to the left of the big blind traditionally starting the action. Players have four options:
- Fold: They forfeit their hand and do not continue playing the game.
- Call: The player matches the previous bet.
- Raise: The player increases the bet from the previous round.
- Check: If no bet was made, a player can check, which passes the action to the next player.
The Draw: Once the betting round has finished, players must declare how many cards they want to discard and draw from the deck, up to a maximum of five. If they are happy with their hand, they can ‘stand pat’.
Second Betting Round: Once all players have finished changing their hand, another round of betting begins, following the same rules as the previous betting round.
Showdown: Finally, players will reveal their hands, with the player with the worst hand in traditional terms, but the best in this game, taking the prize pot.
Game Rules in 2-7 Single Draw Poker
2-7 Card Single Draw Poker Hand Rankings
Players who are used to traditional card rankings will have to readjust for 2-7 Card Single Draw Poker. Let’s look at the hand rankings in order from best to worst.
- 7-5-4-3-2: Also known as the ‘seven low’, this is the best possible hand you can get in 2-7 Card Single Draw Poker. In this instance, the cards must feature all four suits.
- 7-6-4-3-2: This is the second-best hand you can make in 2-7 Single Card Draw Poker.
- 7-6-5-3-2: This is the third-best hand you can make.
- 7-6-5-4-2: This is the fourth best-hand you can make, and the worst hand using a seven.
- 8 High Hands: These are similar hands to the ones above, only with eight as the highest number.
- 9-A High Hands: Following this, all hands are made ascending, with nine being the best, and then the order continues to ascend up to A.
- Pairs: Any hand with matching pairs is worth than any high-card hand.
- Two Pairs: Any two-pair hand is even worse. For example, a hand that features two 7s, and two 9s.
- Three of a kind-, straight, flush, full house, and straight flush: Any of the traditional poker hands that contain combinations of three or more are the worst possible hands you can have in a game of 2-7 Single Card Draw Poker.
Where to play 2-7 Single Card Draw Poker
2-7 Single Card Draw Poker has become increasingly popular with players looking for a new challenge. You can find the game at many top poker sites. If you are struggling to find a site that suits you, check out our detailed online casino reviews here at Gambling Zone.
You can also check out some of our other poker guides to decide which games work best for you.
