Although in this book we will assume that aces, straights and flushes are all low (for purposes of making a low hand), very little adaptation should be needed if your game treats these cards and hands in the reverse manner. For example, if your game treats aces as high only, merely substitute the word "deuce" where I have given "ace" in the text; also read "three" for "deuce" and so on up the line.

It goes almost without saying that one must be certain to clarify the treatment of aces, straights and flushes before beginning play. In this chapter 1 will discuss the two main forms of low poker, stud and draw. Low stud poker is played in several variations, depending on the number of cards given to each player. Low draw poker, which goes under the name "Lowball," and which has proved very popular in many areas, is given special attention. New ways which have been developed to spice up the low poker games are also covered.

Even if you feel you will not be interested in playing low poker, you should read this chapter carefully if you intend to play high-low, which is rapidly becoming the dominant form of poker in serious games. The failings of many high-low players are caused not only because they have not mastered the special techniques of this game, but because, never having played poker for low, they are unfamiliar with the basic principles of that category of the high-low game.

Therefore, you should not brush off low poker merely because you find (as many confirmed high and/or high-low players do) it is not your cup of tea. It is not only essential to understand the principles of low poker in order to play high-low successfully, but the comparison of low poker with high poker may well increase your comprehension of the principles governing successful play for high.