Lowball
Lowball is a type of poker where the lowest hand wins. That’s right, your mission is to aim low. Forget about aces and kings; here, deuces and treys are your new best friends. In standard poker, you’re chasing high cards and full houses. In Lowball, you’re rooting for a busted hand. Think of it as opposite day in the world of poker.
The origin of Lowball in Poker
Lowball started gaining popularity in the early 1900s, mainly on the West Coast of the USA. It was a refreshing twist to the conventional high-hand poker games. The term “lowball” itself comes from the idea of “low hand” poker. It was popularized in California, where it became a staple in card rooms and casinos. Legends say it was an invention of bored poker players looking for a new thrill.
Examples of use:
“I was holding a perfect 7-5 lowball hand and scooped the pot!”
Person 1: “Man, I had a flush, but it was Lowball, so I lost big time.”
Person 2: “Ouch, tough break. Should’ve aimed for that 2-3-4-5-7.”
You can use it in real life too…
- “I feel like I’m playing Lowball because I’m settling for the worst apartment just to get one.”
- “Job hunting sometimes feels like Lowball; you end up taking the lower offer just to get hired.”
- “My dieting feels like Lowball; I’m aiming for the least tasty options just to lose weight.”
When playing, be aware:
Must do: Understand the Hand Rankings
In Lowball, the hand rankings are reversed. The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A, known as the “wheel.” Make sure you familiarize yourself with these rankings before diving in. Knowing the rankings will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Must not: Chase High Cards
Don’t get caught up looking for high cards or pairs. They’re your enemies in Lowball. If you find yourself with high cards, it’s often better to fold early. Chasing high cards can lead to unnecessary losses and frustration.
Lowball means the same in other sports?
Same Meaning:
- Basketball: “Lowball” can refer to a low score game.
- Golf: Here, “lowball” is used in team formats where the lowest score on a hole counts for the team.
Different Meaning:
- Business Negotiations: “Lowball” means offering a price far below the value, hoping to get a cheap deal.
Trivia
Did you know that Lowball poker is one of the favorite games of poker legend Doyle Brunson? He has mentioned in interviews that the strategic depth of Lowball keeps him coming back for more. It’s a game where pure luck takes a back seat to skill and strategy.
