What Does Deuce-to-Seven Mean in Poker?
Deuce-to-Seven is a lowball poker hand ranking system where the best possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2, with both straights and flushes counting against the hand’s low value. In this format, aces are always high, making them undesirable in your quest for the lowest hand.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Deuce-to-Seven:
This term is frequently used in games like Deuce-to-Seven Triple Draw and No-Limit Deuce-to-Seven Single Draw, where the objective is to achieve the lowest hand possible following these specific rankings.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you’re playing Deuce-to-Seven Triple Draw. You hold 7 5 4 3 2 after the final draw. This is the best possible hand, known as a “wheel,” and it’s unbeatable in this variant.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Aim to keep your pairs out of the hand and avoid straights and flushes, focusing on unconnected low cards.
- Common Mistake: Holding onto aces or attempting to complete straights, which are detrimental in this format.
- Pro Tips: Pay attention to your opponents’ drawing behavior. If they draw one card, they might be close to a strong low; adjust your strategy accordingly.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online:
In live games, player reads based on physical tells can offer insights into hand strength, whereas online play relies more heavily on timing tells and betting patterns.
Alternative Names:
“Kansas City Lowball” is another term used for Deuce-to-Seven in some poker circles.
FAQs:
- Q: Why are straights and flushes bad in Deuce-to-Seven?
A: Because they increase the hand’s value above a pure low, which is undesirable in this ranking system.
Related Terms:
For those interested in exploring more about poker, you might consider trying online poker to experience these variations firsthand.
