2-7 Triple Draw Starting Hands
2-7 Triple Draw Starting Hands
Term: 2-7 Triple Draw Starting Hands In 2-7 Triple Draw, the combination of hole cards held by a player after the initial deal, typically aimed at forming the lowest hand.
Overview
2-7 Triple Draw is a lowball variant of draw poker where the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Aces are high, and straights and flushes count as bad (i.e., not low). The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7 (unsuited). Starting hand selection directly affects subsequent draw strategy and final hand-making probability.
Starting Hand Categories
- Strong Starting Hands: Any hand with no pair, no straight draw potential, and all cards below 8, e.g., 2-3-4-5-7 (already the best hand), 2-3-4-5-8, 2-3-4-6-7. These hands usually require few or no draws, or only need to replace one card (e.g., the 8).
- Playable Starting Hands: Hands with a single high card (8 or 9) but the other four are low with no straight or flush potential, e.g., 2-3-4-5-9, 2-3-4-6-8. These hands can be improved by discarding the high card.
- Marginal Starting Hands: Hands with a pair, straight or flush potential, or containing a 10 or higher, e.g., 2-3-4-5-5 (pair), 2-3-4-6-8 (8 is borderline but acceptable), 2-3-4-5-6 (makes a straight, undesirable). Marginal hands often require multiple draws and have lower win rates.
- Trash Starting Hands: Hands with two or more high cards (10+), pairs, straights, or flush possibilities, e.g., K-Q-J-10-9. Such hands should be folded immediately.
Selection Principles
- Low cards first: The lower the card values, the better. The highest card should generally not exceed 8 or 9.
- Avoid made hands: Straights and flushes ruin low hands, so unsuited, non-consecutive cards are preferable.
- No pairs: Pairs reduce the chance of making a low hand, and a final hand with a pair is considered high.
- Draw potential: The fewer cards you need to replace, the better. For example, four low cards plus one high (e.g., 2-3-4-5-9) requires only one draw, whereas three low and two high requires two draws.
Common Strategy
Generally, it is advisable to play only strong and playable starting hands, especially when pot odds are favorable. Marginal hands can be considered when in position or against weak opponents, but with caution. Trash hands should be folded without hesitation.
Examples
- Strong hand: 2♠3♥4♣5♦7♠ (best hand, no draw needed)
- Playable hand: 2♠3♥4♣5♦9♠ (discard the 9, aim for 2-3-4-5-7 or lower)
- Marginal hand: 2♠3♥4♣5♦5♠ (pair of 5s, need to discard one 5, but may draw an even worse card)
- Trash hand: K♠Q♥J♣10♦9♠ (fold immediately)