Rules of Lowball Poker

There are 2 variations of Lowball poker - the rules are fairly similar to that of Double Draw. It's a 5 Card Draw draw variant where the lowest hand wins the pot. The game sees 5 cards dealt to each player, face down. There's a first round of betting where players would open with a bet or fold their hand. There is then a draw in which players can change some of their cards to improve their hands. The rule here is that players are allowed to replace all 5 cards however they would only get 4 cards dealt in one go. The fifth card should be dealt when all other players have completed the draw. If any player exposes the cards they intended to replace, they must keep the card(s). After the draw there's a showdown and players reveal their hands. The lowest hand wins the pot.

Here are some popular styles of Lowball played:

Ace to Five Lowball

The best hand in any suit is A-2-3-4-5. Straights and flushes do not count to form a hand. You want to make the lowest possible hand to win the pot.

Note: If a joker is used as a wild card, it can be used as the lowest card not present in the hand.

In limit ace-to-five lowball, before the draw, an exposed card of 7 or under must be taken, and an exposed card higher than a 7 must be replaced after the deal has been completed. This first exposed card is used as the burn card.

In limit poker, a check-raise is not permitted (unless the players are alerted that it is allowed).

Seven to Deuce Lowball

Often known as Kansas City Lowball and again, the worst poker hand wins the pot. This game has featured on the World Series of Poker such is the popularity. In this variation, straights and flushed do count and Aces are high only.

In other words the best hand possible is 2-3-4-5-6-7. The hand A-2-3-4-5 is not deemed a straight, but only A with a 5 kicker.

Note: The best hand is 7-5-4-3-2 of at least two different suits. Straights and flushes count against a player, and aces are considered high only.

Before the draw, an exposed card of 7, 5, 4, 3, or, 2 must be taken. Any other exposed card must be replaced (including a 6).

Check-raise is allowed on any hand after the draw, and a 7 or better is not required to bet.

The availability of Lowball online is very limited, however it is available. Check out the sites offering Lowball games.