2-7 Single Draw - How to Play, Rules and Strategy

Introduction

2-7 Single Draw card game, also known as (aka Kansas City Lowball), is a variant of draw Poker. Played in casual and professional settings, it is popular in high-stakes cash games and mixed games like H.O.R.S.E.

Here’s an in-depth look at how 2-7 Draw Poker is played.

What is 2-7 Single Draw?

2-7 Single Draw is a lowball Poker variant where players aim to create the lowest five-card hand. Unlike popular Poker games that focus on making high-ranking hands, this game follows a unique structure and set of hand-ranking rules favouring hands traditionally considered weak. The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7, with straights and flushes considered high and, therefore, unfavourable.

Objective

The objective in a 2 to 7 lowball Single Draw is to make the lowest hand possible. The game has specific hand rankings:

1. The Best Possible Hand: 7-5-4-3-2 unsuited (known as a ‘wheel’ or ‘number one’).
2. Straights, Flushes, and Pairs Count Against You: Unlike other lowball games, hands with straights, flushes, or pairs are ranked higher and, therefore, weaker in 2-7 Single Draw.
3. Aces are High: Aces always count as high, making 5-4-3-2-A a straight and a losing hand.
4. Unsuited Hands Are Better: Suits only matter if a hand has an unfavourable flush.

How to Play 2-7 Single Draw?

1. The Deal: Each player is dealt five cards face-down.
2. First Betting Round: Players assess their hands and decide to check, bet, or fold.
3. The Draw: Players can discard any number of cards, including all five, if desired. The dealer then gives them the same number of replacement cards.
4. Second Betting Round: After the draw, another betting round occurs, where players can bet, call, raise, or fold.
5. Showdown: If multiple players remain after the second betting round, they reveal their hands. According to the 2-7 Single Draw rules, the player with the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot.

2-7 Single Draw Poker Rules

Here are the rules of 2-7 Single Draw Poker:

• Each player gets five cards face down.
• Similar to Texas Holdem, the game has a dealer, a small blind, and a big blind.
• The goal is to make the lowest possible hand. The aces are high.
• The best possible lowest hand is 2-3-4-5-7.
• Once the cards are dealt, the first betting round occurs, and the second betting round occurs after the draw.
• After the first betting round, the players discard 0 to 5 cards and get a new one or stand pat, meaning they keep their original cards.
• Once all the players have discarded their five cards, they get four first and the last once everyone finishes drawing.
• In the showdown, if there are multiple players, all hands are shown, and the player with the best low hand wins.

Betting Structure For 2-7 Single Draw

2-7 Single draw is a lowball poker game where you win by making the worst possible hand. The game is played in two main formats: 2-7 Single Draw and 2-7 Triple Draw.

• 2-7 Single Draw has a single drawing round. It is played with a no-limit betting structure, meaning you can bet or raise any amount of chips, even go all-in.
• The 2-7 triple draw has three drawing rounds and is played with a fixed limit. Your betting amount is limited to a specific amount defined by the game.

You can find and play both versions in mixed cash games at poker rooms like the Lodge. Both variations are included in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), and the $50,000 Poker Players Championship featured both versions as part of its nine-game rotations.

Strategies to Win in 2-7 Single Draw

1. Starting Hand Selection

Lower unpaired cards are ideal starting hands, as they need minimal or no improvement. Example starting hands include:

• 7-5-4-3-2: This is the best hand, and you should not draw.
• 8-5-4-3-2: Another strong hand that is only beaten by 7-5-4-3-2.
• 9-6-4-3-2: A good drawing hand with potential. Replace the 9 for a chance at a strong low hand.

2. Drawing Strategies

Players often draw cards to improve their hand, especially when starting with a higher card, like a 9 or 10. Here’s how to approach the draw:

• One-Card Draw: When holding hands like 9-5-4-3-2, replace the 9 to try for a lower card.
• Two-Card Draw: Sometimes, hands with two bad cards, like 10-7-4-3-2, benefit from a two-card draw, especially if those cards are high-ranking and unlikely to help you make a strong low hand.

3. When to Stand Pat

If you are dealt a strong hand initially (for example - 7-5-4-3-2, 8-6-5-4-2), standing pat (not drawing any cards) is often beneficial. This puts psychological pressure on opponents, who may assume you hold a strong hand and fold.

4. Bluffing Tactics

Single Draw 2-7 lowball game offers many bluffing opportunities since opponents cannot see the cards you discard or draw. Here are the most common bluffing tactics:

• Representing a Pat Hand: Draw no cards when you have a mediocre hand, such as 10-7-5-3-2. Betting you have a strong pat hand could lead opponents to fold.
• Aggressive Play After Draw: If your opponent drew multiple cards, a well-timed large bet can make them think you’ve landed a strong hand.

Examples Hands

1.   Example Hand 1: You are dealt 9-5-4-3-2.

• Action: Draw one card, replacing the 9. You will have a strong low hand if you receive a 7 or 8.
• Post-Draw: If you draw a Queen or other high card, it may be best to fold if facing a bet, as a high-ranking low hand is rarely competitive.

1. Example Hand 2: You hold 8-6-5-4-2.

• Action: Stand pat. This hand is already close to optimal and only beaten by 7-5-4-3-2. Betting or raising here is strong because opponents need an excellent hand to call.

1. Example Hand 3: You have J-7-6-5-3.

• Action: Draw one card, replacing the Jack. You hope for a card lower than 7, ideally a 4 or 2, to complete a more competitive low hand.
• Post-Draw: If you get another high card (like a Queen), you can fold if facing a bet or attempt a bluff if you sense weakness in your opponents.

1. Example Hand 4: You are dealt 10-9-8-6-2.

• Action: Draw two cards, replacing the 10 and 9 to try for a better low hand.
• Post-Draw: If you draw a pair or a high card like a King, consider folding, as this hand is likely weak.

Variations of 2-7 Single Draw

Here are some popular variations of this game:

No Limit 2 7 Poker Single Draw

In this variation, players can bet any amount of their chips at any time, leading to larger pots and more aggressive play. This format is commonly seen in tournaments and cash games.

Pot Limit 2-7 Single Draw

Players can bet any amount up to the size of the pot. This variation balances no-limit aggression and fixed-limit strategy, allowing for strategic betting based on pot size.

Fixed Limit 2-7 Single Draw

In fixed-limit games, players can only bet or raise a predetermined amount. This variation encourages more conservative play, as large bets can't be made to pressure opponents.

Split Pot 2-7 Single Draw

In some home games, this variant allows for split pots, where the best low hand and the best high hand (if using wild cards or other variations) win half the pot. Players must decide whether to pursue a low or high hand.

Wildcard 2-7 Single Draw

In this variation, specific cards are designated as wild, allowing players to use them as any card they need. This can lead to more complex hands and strategies.

Blinds vs. Antes

Some games use a traditional blind structure (small and big blinds), while others use antes, where each player must contribute a set amount to the pot before dealing with the cards.

Short Deck 2-7 Single Draw

This variation is played with a deck with all cards below six removed (2-5 are still considered low). This alters the dynamics of hand strength, as fewer cards are available to form combinations.

2-7 Single Draw with Straddles

In some cash games, players can post a straddle (an extra blind bet) before the hand begins. This can increase the size of the pot and create more action, leading to larger bets and raises.

Double Board 2-7 Single Draw

In this variation, two boards are dealt, and players can use cards from either board to make their hands. The lowest hand from each board wins, creating a unique strategy for players as they assess the strengths of their hands against two separate sets of community cards.

2-7 Single Draw at the World Series of Poker (WSOP)

In 1973, 2-7 Single Draw Lowball is a classic WSOP event played almost every year. The first event was a $3,000 buy-in, which was increased to $5,000 from 1974-76. The buy-in increased to a $10,000 freezeout from 1977-1985, apart from 1980, when the tournament allowed re-entries. From 1986 till 2008, the 2-7 single draw event was a $5,000 buy-in where re-entries were permitted, except in 1999, when the event w$10,000, and from 2010, a lower buy-in of $2,500 was introduced, which was later reduced to $1,500 from 2010 onwards.

2-7 Single Draw Championship Winners 1973-2019

2-7 Single Draw $1,500/$2,500 Event Winners 2009-19

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-7 Single Draw?

2 to 7 Single Draw, also known as Deuce-to-Seven Lowball, is a Poker variant where players aim to create the lowest possible five-card hand. Unlike traditional high-hand games, straights and flushes count against you, and aces are considered high. Players draw cards to improve their hands after a betting round, followed by a second betting round before a showdown.

How do hand rankings work in 2-7 Single Draw?

In the Single Draw 2-7 game, the rankings prioritise low hands, with the best hand being 7-5-4-3-2 (unsuited). Straights, flushes, and pairs are ranked higher than lower hands, making them weaker. For example, 5-4-3-2-A is a losing hand due to the straight, and any pairs diminish hand strength. The objective is to create a hand without straights or flushes.

What strategies are effective in 2-7 Single Draw?

In 2-7 Draw Poker, players should aim for low, unpaired hands and avoid high cards. Bluffing can be a powerful tactic, especially when you have a nearly complete low hand. If you are dealt a strong hand or only need one card to complete it, play aggressively to maximise the pot.

What is the best hand in the 2-7 single draw?

The best possible lowest hand in a 2-7 single draw is 2-3-4-5-7.

How many cards can you draw in 2/7 single draw?

In a 2-7 single draw, each player is dealt five cards, and they can discard and draw up to five new cards.

Conclusion

2-7 Single Draw challenges players to think differently from traditional high-hand games. Players can develop a strategic edge by making the lowest possible hand and understanding unique hand rankings. The game offers a rewarding experience that combines skill, strategy, and psychological tactics, making it a must-try for any Poker enthusiast.