Note that if you go into a pot of draw poker for high with a similar "advantage" (e.g., you have a pair of aces, and all the other players draw three cards), you are much better placed; for whereas it is true that one of the several other players may outdraw your aces, you yourself have a chance to improve! (In fact, this type of reasoning will indicate why a holding of two low pairs is deceptive at draw poker for high: if several other players are in, you figure to be outdrawn by one of them, and you have little chance for improvement yourself.

Thus, if you hold two low pairs, and a hand of draw for high is opened in front of you, it is usually best to fold unless you have very good position, in which case a raise may be indicated. Whatever you do, you are trying to avoid playing two low pairs with many players in the pot. For a more complete discussion, see Chapter 4.)Open in an early position with a smooth nine (or better) -one which can, if necessary, be broken down to a one-card draw to a wheel or six (or, in a pinch, a seven) -or any pat eight or better, or any hand which will give a one-card draw to a wheel, six, or possibly a good seven (or a seven if the bug is held).

These requirements can be loosened as your position becomes more favorable. Avoid opening when you must draw two cards, even with Bug-2-A, unless there are just one or two other players remaining.Remember that when you open it is on the assumption that (at least most of the time-the variety being so that you do not become stereotyped) you will stand a raise. This will usually be to stand pat with a good eight or better or, unless there are few opponents, to break a smooth nine (if you should have that to start with) and draw to a wheel, a six, or possibly a smooth seven.