Master the Deck: Top 5 Best and Worst Hands in 5-Card Poker Variants

Poker enthusiasts, whether rookies or seasoned players, often start their journey with the classic five-card poker. This game, a staple of family gatherings and casual nights with friends, is witnessing a resurgence in popularity. Notably, it’s being reintroduced in various formats in casinos today.

Among these, 5-card draw poker comes in several variations such as 2-7 lowball, ace to 5 lowball, Archie, 5 card high draw, and Drawmaha. Each game has its unique rules and hand values, but mastering the art of the draw remains central to all.

This article unveils the five best and worst hands in these 5-card draw poker games, helping players enhance their strategies and avoid common pitfalls.

Best Hands Across Variants:

1. Ace to 5 Lowball: The best possible hand is the “wheel” or 5-4-3-2-A. This hand does not form a straight in this game, making it the lowest and thus the best hand.
2. 2-7 Lowball: A perfect low in this variant would be 7-5-4-3-2 of mixed suits, avoiding straights and flushes, as these count against the player.
3. 5 Card High Draw: The pinnacle of hands is the Royal Flush, though statistically rare. More commonly, hands like a full house or four of a kind tend to clinch the pot.
4. Archie: A mix of high and low draw, the best scenario is to hit a low straight for the low pot and a high flush or full house for the high pot.
5. Drawmaha: This game combines elements of Omaha and high draw; the best outcome is hitting a Royal Flush, affecting both the high draw and Omaha portions of the game.

Worst Hands to Avoid:

1. Ace to 5 Lowball: High pairs or combinations close to forming a straight are undesirable.
2. 2-7 Lowball: High cards and straights are detrimental. Even an 8 high can be a risky hold, contrary to intuition.
3. 5 Card High Draw: Low pairs or incomplete draws, such as missing one card for a straight or flush, can deplete your chips.
4. Archie: Two pairs might seem strong but often fail to improve through the draws, leaving players vulnerable.
5. Drawmaha: Avoid drawing to non-cohesive hands. In Omaha, drawing to a low-end flush can be costly as it rarely wins the pot.

Understanding these best and worst scenarios in various 5-card draw poker games can dramatically improve one’s gameplay and decision-making, turning potential losses into strategic wins. Whether playing at a kitchen table or a casino, knowing these hands is crucial for any poker player aiming to dominate the deck.