Some forms of poker, often called lowball or "low poker", reward poor poker hands (in the traditional sense). There are three common variations on this idea, differing in whether aces are treated as high cards or low cards, and whether or not Straightss and Flusheses are used. The methods are:
- Ace-to-five low: The most common method. Aces are low and straights and flushes are ignored, so the best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A, called a Wheel.
- Ace-to-six low: Aces are low and straights and flushes do count (as high), so the best possible hand is 6-4-3-2-A.
- Deuce-to-seven low: Almost the direct inverse of traditional High hand poker. Aces are high and straights and flushes do count, so the best possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2. A wheel is not considered a straight, so A-5-4-3-2 is just ace-high no pair.