"Lowball" is a name given loosely to a number of different poker games in which the low-ranked hand wins the pot. However, in poker rooms throughout the United States and online, "Lowball" really means one specific type of game: Five-Card Draw Low. This game comes in a number of common varieties. Each one can have different rules variations as well. What they have in common is that the lowest-ranked hand wins.

Caution: Be aware that other "low" games include Razz (a game that is to Seven-Card Stud what Lowball is to Five-Card Draw) and Omaha Lo (a Hold'em variety of a low hand game). A few split-pot games exist as well, mainly Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo and Omaha Hi-Lo. Sometimes these games are referred to as "Eights or Better" in one rule variation. But none of these games should be called "Lowball" as it just causes confusion. Be aware, too, that Five-Card Draw can also be played in a Hi-Lo, split-pot version, but the game is very rare, hardly ever found either in live card rooms or online.

Lowball Poker Tips, Strategy, & Information

Lowball Poker Probabilities
What, exactly, constitutes a "bad hand?" Consider the chances of being dealt a good hand and the chances of obtaining hand improvement in a Lowball draw. The math is much the same as for Five-Card Draw. The probability of not being dealt a hand with a pair of Jacks or higher ("openers" in Five-Card Draw) is 79%. The probability of not being dealt... more»
Lowball Rules
With a couple of exceptions, the rules and procedures for Lowball - whether Deuce-to-Seven or Ace-to-Five -- are the same as in Five-Card Draw. The main difference, of course, is that in Lowball, the lowest-ranked hand wins the pot at showdown. Betting Structures All versions of Lowball, like Five-Card Draw, can be played with antes, blinds, or... more»
Single-Draw Lowball Strategy
The differences between Deuce-to-Seven Lowball and Ace-to-Five Lowball may alter the "feel" of the game somewhat, but they have little effect on solid strategy decisions. The "sevens rule," for example, changes little or nothing, except that one should be mindful of it when it is in force. The presence of the joker may affect a few probability... more»
Triple Draw Lowball Strategy
The "triple draw" variation adds two additional draw rounds of from zero to five cards, with two more opportunities to bet. It should be fairly obvious that with the possibility of having up to 20 cards from which to choose a low hand, most of the hands in play are indeed very low. The same kind of phenomenon occurs as in Omaha, where four pocket... more»
Lowball Poker Basics
In all Lowball versions, play is very similar to that of five-card draw. There is a deal, a betting round, a draw of up to five cards, and a second round of betting. Blinds are used in the same way. The order of betting is the same. In fact, Lowball is to Five-Card Draw what Omaha Lowball is to Omaha. Do not take the metaphor too far, however, as... more»