How To Play | Lowball Tips

Lowball is played much like other poker games, except that the scoring - which hands are winners - is much different. Here are some lowball poker tips to help you get started.

The Starting Hand

If you're just getting started, keep your gameplay tight by using simple rules to determine whether you will bet or fold. This is not a general rule; it applies only to Lowball poker.

Stay in the game:

• If you have two cards not higher than a 4 that are not suited, and one is an Ace.
• If you have three cards not suited and none are higher than 7.

In your most conservative play scenario, fold if you have anything else. Using this tip won't be very exciting, but it might be helpful while you're getting the hang of the game and a read on the table.

Watch the Tells

Even if you're playing online, people can be very predictable. If they are predictable and you are observant, you will win. A tell is a consistent behavior that betrays what the player is thinking. In an online scenario, this might be speed of response, chat that includes baiting, taunts and insults designed to intimidate other players, hesitant betting, or any other behavior that betrays anxiety, eagerness, over-confidence, or distraction. If you really want to succeed at poker in the long term, keep a notebook and write down everything you notice, especially if you can play with the same group.

Remember Where You Are

Part of the fun of lowball poker is that it's so easy to forget that a straight flush is a terrible hand and get excited when you get good cards. Conditioning is hard to overcome, and that adds to the challenge and excitement of the game. The best part is that the best players are the most likely to forget where they are and keep the wrong cards.

Players Who Never Fold

Playing every hand is a sign of overconfidence or lack of experience. Watch for this player because he's easy to beat, but don't be that guy. If you don't have a good hand, fold. Keep your money for a good opportunity to win.

Learn to Bluff

Bluffing is essentially the art of making your opponents think you have a good hand when you don't. It's a very good skill to have, but overuse can make you predictable and easy to read. Use bluffs to break up your playing patterns and keep the other players guessing. But be very careful not to form a pattern of bluffing that can be read. That's a great way to lose.

Watch Your Bankroll

Decide how much you can afford to lose - and stick to it. Even if you have a large bankroll, keep an eye on the bottom line and don't get sloppy. The easiest target for a pro is a guy with a lot to lose and little discipline.