2-7 Triple Draw: rules and beginner strategy

2-7 Triple Draw (deuce-to-seven) is a lowball draw game. Each player gets five cards, there are three draws, and the lowest hand wins. It’s usually played fixed-limit with blinds, and it’s part of many mixed games. See HORSE and mixed games.

The key rules of 2-7 lowball

Aces are high (an ace is a bad card for a low).
Straights and flushes count against you: 7-6-5-4-3 is a straight, not a good low.
Pairs are bad: any pair loses to any no-pair hand.
The best hand is 7-5-4-3-2 of mixed suits (the “number one” or “wheel” in 2-7).

Comparing hands

Compare the highest card first: any 7-high beats any 8-high. If equal, compare the next card: 8-5-4-3-2 vs 8-6-4-3-2 → second card 5 vs 6, so 8-5-4-3-2 wins.

How a hand runs

Blinds, five cards each, betting.
First draw, betting.
Second draw, betting.
Third draw, final betting, showdown.

Beginner strategy

Start with a deuce and low cards: 2-3-4-7 or 2-3-5-7 with one card to draw is a strong start. The deuce is key — without it, it’s hard to make the best lows.
Avoid drawing to straights: 3-4-5-6 is a bad draw (many cards make a straight).
Drawing one card is good; drawing three is weak.
Watch how many cards opponents draw: a player standing pat early is usually strong.
Position is valuable: you see the draws before deciding.

See also badugi, razz and five card draw.

FAQ

What is the best hand in 2-7 Triple Draw?

7-5-4-3-2 of mixed suits.

Do straights and flushes count in 2-7 lowball?

Yes, and they count against you; aces are also high.

How many draws are there in Triple Draw?

Three, with a betting round after each.

What is a good starting hand in 2-7 Triple Draw?

A deuce with low cards like 2-3-4-7 and one card to draw.