Wheel
Wheel is a term in poker that refers to a five-high straight: A-2-3-4-5. It’s the lowest possible straight you can have, but don’t underestimate it. In games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, the Wheel can be a sneaky way to win a hand.
The origin of Wheel in Poker
The term “Wheel” has been used in poker since the early 20th century. It likely comes from the idea of a circular sequence, with the Ace acting as both the highest and lowest card in a straight. The Wheel’s versatility and simplicity make it a staple term in poker lingo.
Examples of use:
“He hit the Wheel on the river and took the pot!”
Player 1: “Did you see that hand? He had A-2-3-4-5!”
Player 2: “Yeah, the Wheel! Totally unexpected.”
You can use it in real life too…
- “I just completed my project at 5 AM, feeling like I hit the Wheel!”
- “Scored the last concert ticket. Talk about hitting the Wheel!”
- “Found $5 on the ground. Small but sweet, like hitting the Wheel in poker.”
When playing, be aware:
Do: Pay attention to your outs
Always be mindful of your outs when you’re drawing to a Wheel. Knowing how many cards can complete your straight will help you make better betting decisions. It can turn a mediocre hand into a winning one if you play it right.
Do not: Overvalue it in multi-way pots
While the Wheel is a strong hand, it’s not invincible, especially in multi-way pots. If there are too many players in the hand, someone might have a higher straight or better. Play it with caution.
Wheel means the same in other sports?
In cycling, a “wheel” refers to the circular component that allows the bike to move, but it doesn’t have the same strategic meaning as in poker.
In roulette, the term “wheel” refers to the spinning mechanism used to determine the outcome of the game, which is entirely different from poker’s Wheel.
Trivia
Did you know that the Wheel is sometimes called the “Bicycle” in poker? This is because a popular brand of playing cards called Bicycle features an illustration of a bicycle on the back, making the term a fun nod to the brand.
