There are 2 variations to this game, Single-draw and triple-draw.
In single-draw, players have only 1 option to draw more cards before show down, and is also the most popular version of the game.
Triple-draw allows for 3 draws and therefore more betting rounds, since you will bet after every draw.
Both games can be played as limit or no-limit games, however the limit versions will sharpen your bluffing skills and patience.
How to play Deuce-Seven Single-draw
Deuce-to-Seven (also known as Kansas City Lowball) is a poker game that is played using a standard 52-card deck. Unlike other popular poker games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, in Deuce-to-Seven, the objective is to have the lowest-ranking hand at the showdown. Here’s a brief overview of how to play Deuce-to-Seven:
- The game can be played with 2 to 8 players. Each player is dealt five cards face down, and the dealer rotates clockwise after each hand.
- After the players receive their cards, a round of betting occurs. The player to the left of the dealer is first to act, and then the betting continues in a clockwise direction.
- After the first round of betting, each player can choose to discard and replace any number of their cards (even all five if they wish) in exchange for new cards from the deck. The goal is to improve their hand and have the lowest-ranking hand at the showdown. This is known as a draw.
- After the players receive their new cards, another round of betting occurs.
- Finally, there is a showdown, and the player with the lowest-ranking five-card hand wins the pot. The best possible hand is 2-3-4-5-7, which is why the game is called Deuce-to-Seven.
- It’s important to note that flushes and straights count against you in this game, meaning that a hand like 2-3-4-5-6 is not a good hand, but a hand like 7-5-4-3-2 is a good hand.
- If two or more players have the same low hand, the pot is split between them equally.
Triple Draw Variant
The rules remain the same as with single-draw, however there are three draws and therefore 4 betting rounds. 1 betting round after the deal, followed by betting after every draw and then show down.
Strategy Tip:
In either of the variations, should you require to draw more than 2 cards at any draw, it would be advisable to fold entirely. Drawing more cards will only increase the odds of drawing high cards or pairing with cards in your hand.
Deuce-Seven is game of skill and it can very difficult to bluff. It requires patience and technique to pull off a bluff.