Draw poker in which the worst hand wins the pot is called “Lowball.” In the California version of the game, straights and flushes are not considered as high hands. Therefore, the lowest possible hand in California Lowball, and hence the best one, will be 5-4-3-2-ace. For that reason it is also called “Ace-to-five Lowball.”

Poker room versions of lowball are usually played with blinds, as in Texas Hold’Em. Sometimes antes are also required. Opening bets must be either equal to the big blind or double it. There is a draw. Then betting limits are doubled. A no-limit version is sometimes offered. Other rules are as in normal draw poker, such as the number of bets and raises in a round of a multi-hand pot, kill pots for new players, number and manner of drawing cards, etc.

Jokers are used in the game unless the dealer announces to the contrary. The joker will be the lowest card not already in the hand.

The “Sevens Rule” is usually enforced in limit lowball. The essence of it is that a player who is dealt a seven-high or better (lower) hand must bet it before the draw. If he checks, all action from that point on will be void, that is, the non-betting player with the strong hand cannot win it. This rule is to prevent sandbagging by someone who holds a strong hand, but feigns weakness (by checking) in order to entice others into the pot before coming in strong with a call or a raise.