2-7 Triple Draw Strategy
2-7 Triple Draw is still a relatively new game, at least as far as the mass of poker players having been exposed to it. Now that PokerStars.com spreads 2-7 Triple Draw and the WSOP now includes it on their schedule, there are more and more players looking for 2-7 Triple Draw Strategy guides. We’ll provide strategy here, but also suggest the 2-7 Triple Draw strategy section written by Daniel Negreanu in Doyle Brunson’s 2005 book titled Super System 2 as recommended reading.
Play 2-7 Triple Draw Online at PokerStars
As you begin to learn, you’ll soon realize that position is more important in draw poker games, especially 2-7 Triple Draw, than it is in other forms of poker. This is because unlike flop and stud games, we’re unable to see any of our opponents cards. The only information we have to go on is the number of cards our opponents draw and their betting patterns. When we act after an opponent, also said as having position on them, we get to see their actions first, giving us a significant advantage.
2-7 Triple Draw Starting Hands
2-7 Triple Draw starting hand requirements should also give consideration to position. In most games, we’ll always open a pot with a two card draw to a 7 low or better, as long as we hold a deuce. The deuce is important because a 7 low can not be made without it, and in many draws no deuce leaves us vulnerable to drawing a straight. In most situations, we’ll always call with this same hand, and when we hold both a deuce, a seven, and a third nut card (3, 4 or 5), we’ll 3 bet and perhaps even cap while in position with this hand.
Out of position, a player wants to be a bit more careful holding a 7-6-2 draw as this hand can get expensive and lead to marginal/uncomfortable/expensive situations when an 8-7-6 low is made late. Generally speaking, 2 card low draws are not playable; but in games where your blinds are often being attacked, playing these occasionally in defense might be profitable.
To complete a good Triple Draw starting hands strategy you also need to know about 3 Betting in Triple Draw.
Aggression is Key
Now that we have a basic guideline to basic 2-7 Triple Draw starting hands, we’ll emphasize that like all fixed limit poker games, this is a game where aggression pays off. Here we’ll want to be betting and raising a lot more often than checking and calling. This is of course a general statement, but in many cases raising will make your opponents think more about breaking made hands (example dumping the 8 in a made 8-7-6 low to draw to a better hand). Of course, this is where position becomes important,because if an opponent gets to first see us draw one, they’ll keep this hand on the later draws. If they’re forced to draw first, it is more pressure for them and opens us up to having additional ways to win the hand.
Jack High Favored Over One Card Draw
Getting back to position, there are a couple stats a player wants to have in the back of their mind. On the last draw, a jack high hand is slightly favored over a one card draw. When in position if our opponent stands pat while we hold 2-3-5-7-J, we’ll of course need to draw one. On the other hand, if our opponent draws one, then standing pat here would be the best move. We can not emphasize enough how important position is in 2-7 Triple Draw strategy.
Position and the Triple Draw Snow
Position also gives a 2-7 Triple Draw player the opportunity to snow, which is the act of standing pat (drawing zero cards) with total rubbish. For example, let’s say your opponent drew two cards on the first draw, and you did as well. The opponent then checks to you, and despite having failed to improve, you make a standard position bet and are called. If the opponent then draws two again, you might consider standing pat. If he fails to improve, a bet on the next street will win you the pot with another bet, but even if he improves to a one card draw, you might win by continuing to snow and betting on the river. If the opponent has paired or made a face card low, he’s going to fold and you’ll win the pot.
Optimal snowing frequency, how often you should stand pat with poor hands and then bluff, largely depend on your table image and the opponents you’re playing. A lot of players freeze after having been caught snowing, in fear they’ll now be called down more often. This is often a mistake, as a player still will have trouble calling on many draws, and if you’ve been caught snowing on multiple occasions, your premium hands tend to get paid off often with marginal hands. Generally speaking, a good triple draw player is very aggressive and snows more often than his opponents. When caught too often, you’ll need to tighten up some; however, never be scared to snow against a weak opponent.
2-7 Triple Draw Strategy
Once again, this is only an introduction into 2-7 Triple Draw strategy. We strongly recommend reading the 2-7 Triple Draw strategy sections authored by Daniel Negreanu in Doyle Brunson’s book Super Systems 2. This reading and a lot of practice will help you get better at 2-7 Triple Draw.
You might also be interested in our 2-7 triple draw tips article. It goes into a little more depth about the above topics and also offers advice about timely bluffing and agression when drawing. We also have a new article on Three Betting In Triple Draw which should help you a lot with your pre draw strategy.
