2-7 Triple Draw
Also known as: Deuce-to-Seven Triple Draw, TD, Triple Draw Lowball, 2-7 TD
A lowball draw game with three draw opportunities and four betting rounds. The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7 (not 2-3-4-5-6, since that is a straight). Aces are always high, and straights and flushes count against you. One of the most complex and skill-intensive poker variants.
Quick Rules
- Each player is dealt 5 cards face down.
- 4 betting rounds with 3 draw rounds between them.
- Lowest hand wins. Best hand is 2-3-4-5-7 (not suited).
- Aces are ALWAYS high — they are bad cards.
- Straights and flushes COUNT against you — avoid them.
- Each draw, players may discard 0-5 cards and receive replacements.
Strategy Notes
Starting hand quality is paramount, and the deuce is the most important card. Standard openers are smooth three-card draws to a 7 that include a 2 (e.g., 2-3-7, 2-4-5), plus one-card draws. Pat hands before the first draw are rare. Before the draw, drawing two to a good 7 is a normal opening hand. Later in the hand, drawing one is much stronger than drawing two. Position is critical because acting last lets you see how many cards your opponents drew. Snowing (standing pat with a bad hand as a bluff) is an advanced play.
Home Game Tips
Not beginner-friendly. Players need to understand that aces are high and that straights and flushes count against them. Six players is the usual maximum. With 30 cards dealt, only 22 remain for three draws, so the deck often runs out. Agree on the reshuffle rule before you start: shuffle the discards (not including the current player's discards) to form a new stub. A favorite among serious poker players.
Use Other game type. Three draw rounds managed by the dealer.
Create a 2-7 Triple Draw Tournament