What is Bottom End in Poker?

Introduction

Strategy is everything in Poker. Knowing when to bet, fold, or bluff can make the difference between winning big and losing it all. One of the trickiest situations players find themselves in is when they have the bottom end of a hand.

In this blog, we will uncover the meaning of the ‘bottom end’ in the game and smart ways to play around it.

What is Bottom End in Poker?

The term ‘bottom end’ refers to the weakest version of a potentially strong hand in Poker. The most common usage of this term is about straights, where a player has the lowest possible straight while stronger versions of the same hand exist. This is often a dangerous position, as a player may think they have a strong hand but are actually at risk of being outdrawn or already beaten.

Understanding the Bottom End of a Straight

The most common use of ‘bottom end’ applies to straight hands. A straight consists of five consecutive cards, and the bottom end refers to the lowest sequence that completes the straight.

Example:

Board:

(5♠ 6♦ 7♣ 8♥ K♦)

Player A's Hand:

(3♦ 4♦) = (Bottom-End Straight: 3-4-5-6-7) 

Player B's Hand:

(9♠ 10♠) = (Higher Straight: 6-7-8-9-10) 

Both players have a straight, but Player A's straight (3-4-5-6-7) is the weakest version possible in this scenario.

Player B has a higher straight (6-7-8-9-10), which dominates Player A's straight.

If both players go all-in, Player B wins since a higher straight always beats a lower straight.

Bottom End vs. Nut End of a Straight

Poker players often use the term "nut straight" to describe the best possible straight. The bottom end is the opposite—it is the lowest version of a straight, and it carries great risk.

Example:

Board:

(5♠ 6♦ 7♣ 8♥ Q♦)

Player A's Hand:

(4♠ 5♣) =  (Lowest possible straight: 4-5-6-7-8) 

Player B's Hand:

(9♥ 10♦) = (Stronger straight: 6-7-8-9-10) 

Player A has a straight (4-5-6-7-8), but it is the lowest possible straight in this scenario.

Player B has a higher straight (6-7-8-9-10), which beats Player A.

Player A might not realize that their hand is already beaten if they are too focused on the fact that they made a straight. However, in poker, having a straight doesn’t always mean you have the best hand—it depends on whether a better straight is possible.

The Bottom End in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)

In Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), the concept of the bottom end is even more critical than in Texas Hold’em. This is because:

• Players get four hole cards, making bigger hands more common.

• Straights and flushes occur more frequently, increasing the risk of having the lowest straight.

Example:

Board: (5♦ 6♥ 7♠ 9♦ K♣)

Player A’s Hand (Bottom End): (3♠ 4♠ 8♦ J♦)

Best Hand (Straight): 4-5-6-7-8

(Using 4♠ 8♦ from hand + 5♦ 6♥ 7♠ from the board)

Player B’s Hand (Higher Straight):

(8♣ 10♣ Q♥ A♠)

Best Hand (Straight): 6-7-8-9-10

(Using 8♣ 10♣ from hand + 6♥ 7♠ 9♦ from the board)

Player A's straight (4-5-6-7-8) is completely dominated by Player B's higher straight (6-7-8-9-10).

This highlights the danger of making the bottom end of a straight in Omaha. It often loses to a higher straight when multiple connected cards are on the board.

Bottom End in Lowball Poker (2-7 Triple Draw & Razz)

The bottom end can also refer to the weakest version of a low hand in games like 2-7 Triple Draw and Razz.

Example:

• A 7-5 low (7-5-4-3-2) is weaker than a 7-4 low (7-4-3-2-6).
• In 2-7 Triple Draw, the goal is to make the lowest possible hand, with no pairs and avoiding straights.
• If multiple players have a ‘7-low’, the one with the highest second card loses.

In lowball games, understanding the lowest ranking hand that still qualifies is essential to avoid losing to better-made lows.

How to Play the Bottom End of a Straight

Holding the bottom end of a straight can be dangerous, but there are ways to minimize risk:

1. Be Cautious When the Board Is Highly Connected

A connected board means that the community cards are arranged in a way that allows multiple possible straights. When playing the bottom end of a straight, you should be very careful because someone might already have a higher one.

• Four-Card Straights Are a Red Flag – If the board itself forms a four-card straight, you must assume that an opponent could easily have the nuts (the best possible straight).
• Position Matters – If you are out of position (acting before others), you will have a hard time knowing where you stand. Late-position players can exploit your uncertainty and put pressure on you.
• Watch for Flush and Full House Possibilities – If the board also has suited or paired cards, someone might be chasing a flush or a full house, making your straight even more vulnerable.

Example: If the board shows 5♠ 6♥ 7♦ 8♣, you might have a straight with 4-5, but if someone has 9-10, they have a stronger straight. This means even though you hit your hand, you are still losing. If a lot of chips start going into the pot, it's time to consider folding.

2. Pay Attention to Betting Patterns

One of the best ways to figure out whether your straight is still good is by analyzing how your opponents are betting.

• Big Bets and Raises Often Mean Trouble – If an opponent suddenly becomes aggressive on a connected board, they likely have the nuts or at least a stronger straight.
• Check-Raises Are a Strong Warning – If an opponent checks and then raises after you bet, it usually means they have a monster hand and are trying to trap you.
• Multi-Way Pots Are Dangerous – If multiple players are betting aggressively, chances are someone has the nut straight. In such cases, your bottom-end straight is almost always in bad shape.

Example: You are holding 5-6, and the board reads 4-7-8-K-Q. Initially, you had a straight (4-5-6-7-8), but if someone raises big, they likely have 9-10, making your straight worthless. If several players remain in the hand, it’s even riskier to continue.

3. Avoid Overcommitting Without the Nuts

Poker is a game of calculated risks, and going all-in with a weak straight is rarely a good idea. The bottom-end straight is rarely strong enough to justify a big commitment.

• Texas Hold’em Caution – In Texas Hold’em, nut straights are common, and players are more likely to have higher straight draws. If your straight isn’t the best possible hand, proceed with extreme caution.
• Omaha Is Even Riskier – In Omaha, where players have four hole cards, the chances of someone making a higher straight are significantly greater. A bottom-end straight is extremely weak in this game.
• Look for Stronger Hands on the Board – If the board has multiple ways for someone to have a better straight, don’t invest too much money unless you’re sure you’re ahead.

Example: In Texas Hold’em, the board reads 3-4-5-6-K, and you hold 2-3. You technically have a straight (2-3-4-5-6), but if someone has 7-8, they have a higher one. If there’s big betting action, it’s safer to fold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify the bottom end of a straight?

The bottom end of a straight happens when you have the lowest possible version of a straight on the board. For example, if the board shows 6-7-8-9-Q, and you hold 5-6, you have the lowest straight (5-6-7-8-9). However, an opponent with 10-J has a higher straight (7-8-9-10-J), beating you.

Is the bottom end of a full house always a losing hand?

Not necessarily, but it’s vulnerable. A full house is strong, but if you have the lower pair in a paired board, stronger full houses are possible. For example, on a K-K-10-10-2 board, 10-2 makes a full house, but K-10 makes a better full house (Kings full of Tens). If facing big bets, consider the risk of a stronger full house before committing too many chips.

Should you always fold the bottom end of a hand?

No, but you should play cautiously. If there’s little action, you can continue, but if opponents are betting aggressively, there’s a high chance someone has a better version of your hand. The key is to control the pot size, avoid overcommitting, and be prepared to fold if the betting gets too aggressive.

Conclusion

The bottom end can be a tricky situation, often giving you a false sense of strength. While a straight or full house might seem like a winning hand, stronger versions could be lurking, ready to take your chips. By staying cautious and strategic, you can avoid costly traps and make better long-term decisions at the table.