Deuce to Seven Triple Draw: Basic Strategy

If you're an avid 2-7 triple draw player, it's assumed that you've already got a grasp on basic strategy, so this one's for the beginner. If you've never played the game, how about a quick lesson? The game at its essence is a very simple game, and if you're familiar with other poker games, you should have no problem playing a hand; mastering the game on the other hand, is a different story. For starters, deuce to seven triple draw is a low draw game, and you're trying to create the lowest 5 card hand, with aces playing as high cards; for example, a royal flush is the worst possible hand - not that you're really expecting such a draw in the first place - basically, reverse the order of draws in a high draw game, and you've got it.

Now, to the deal. Just as in many online poker games, a dealer button will be offered to a player, and the next two players in the action (two individuals to the left) will post blinds; the first, the small blind, the second, the large. The dealer will deal five cards to each player (a maximum of 6 players) and a round of betting will ensue. The action starts with the player to the left of the large blind and each player can call, raise or fold. After the first round of betting, the dealer will offer each player the opportunity to discard. All action at this point will begin with the player to the left of the dealer button. Each player may discard any amount of cards that they wish, or none at all. After they discard or stand, the next player will take their action. After everyone has discarded, the dealer will offer each player the appropriate amount of new cards.

Once all players receive their new cards another round of betting ensues. After the betting, another draw. After the draw, another round of betting. After the betting, another draw, and finally a round of betting. Again, lowest 5 card hand takes the prize if there are any remaining players to showdown. If the deck is exhausted with all of the draws, the muck pile is shuffled, and put back into play. After each hand, the dealer button and blind posting rotates one player to the left.

In approaching some basic poker strategy; 2-7 Triple Draw offers some great opportunities to bluff as the rounds progress. Obviously if you're taking 5 cards at a time every time you're probably dead in the water; but at least you'll be the most popular player at the table! If you're not building a strong hand by the second draw you either need to convince your competitors that you already have one or are presently building one; and there's no shame in folding a hand. As it's true in so many games of skill, there's no way to develop skill and strategy without actually playing the game - so sit down with a deck, a few friends and give it a whirl!