How to Play 2-7 Triple Draw Poker

Poker players should find the concept of 2-7 Triple Draw to be quite simple. This format provides exciting game play by incorporating a low hand concept with draw phases. Knowing how to play position, analyzing and calculating hand strength and being able to figure out your opponents are all key elements to 2-7 Triple Draw Poker. The object of the game is simple – get the lowest hand using 2-7.

Rules

2-7 Triple Draw Poker is a popular draw card game that uses a dealer, blinds and betting rounds. The functionality of the game is very similar to Texas Holdem and Omaha in this regard. Just like in Texas Holdem, there are four betting rounds. The draw phases replace the flop, turn and the river in a sense.

In 2-7 Triple Draw each player receives five cards. These five cards are hole cards, meaning they are concealed from the other players at the table. There are two blinds in 2-7 Triple Draw – a big and a small. They sit to the left of the dealer just like in many other poker games with the small followed by the big. The action (betting) begins with the player who is seated at the left of the big blind.

After the initial round of action, a draw phase occurs. This would be the flop in other games. Players can draw any amount of their five cards. They also have the option to draw zero cards, which is referred to as standing pat. A round of betting follows each draw phase.

There are three draw phases, hence the term triple draw. Upon completion of the third draw phase, there is a final round of action. If the action is called or checked down, there will be a showdown. A showdown is when the hands are revealed and a winner is determined. Checking down means each player checks (does not bet).

2-7 Triple Draw is different from a few other lo hand games in the sense that Aces are always a high card. Also, straights and flushes are no good. These cards count against you, which is different from some lo games such as Omaha Hi/Lo.

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Strategy

The object of 2-7 Triple Draw Poker is to get the best low hand using the cards 2-7. The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7. 2-3-4-5-6 would be no good since you would have a 6-high straight.

In draw games, it is absolutely vital that you use position to your advantage. Using your position to find out if your opponent hit their draw is very advantageous. In 2-7 Triple Draw it is recommended that you should bet heavily when you see that your opponents are drawing more cards than you. This is especially the case when you have the better position.

The odds are that if your opponent is drawing more cards than you, they did not hit their draw. In other words, if you’re drawing one card and your opponent is drawing three, it’s much more believable that you hit your one than your opponent hitting his three.

If you didn’t hit your one and your opponent comes back at you over the top, you should be careful at this point. Depending on the pot size, how many players are in the hand and what draw phase you’re on, you most likely are going to fold. If you call and your opponent draws the same or one less card on the next phase and you have position, you may choose to stand pat as a bluff tactic. If you do this, obviously the next move would be to fire away, especially if your opponent checks.

The person that is last to act has the best position on the table. Position usually works by categorizing it into three phases: early, middle and late. Early is the worst and late is the best. However, don’t be afraid to fold just because you’re last to act. Sometimes you just don’t have the cards and position doesn’t guarantee a win.

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2-7 Triple Draw can be a lot of fun and also quite interesting at the same time. The three draw phases makes just about anything possible. The hand ranking system with 2-3-4-5-7 being the best hand is a little bit different from the most commonly played poker games, which are Omaha and Texas Holdem. Remember, Aces are the highest card and straights and flushes are no good. Play your position and pay attention to your opponents. Bluffing and position play are key tactics in draw games. Use the tools you have to make the best plays.