Dear
Mark, When playing kitchen table poker, it seems arguments arise on what is
the best possible hand for certain games. Recently a dispute occurred on what
is the best hand for both California and Kansas City Lowball. For example, I recently
thought I had the best hand for California Lowball with an A 2 3 4 5, all in hearts.
My friend believed I didn’t have the best hand because it also was a flush.
Am I correct to assume that flushes do not count in both California and Kansas
Cit Lowball? Jules G.
I am glad, Jules, your letter specified which game
was disputed regarding flushes because flushes are treated differently in the
two games you mentioned, California and Kansas City Lowball.
Lowball
is a form of draw poker in which the lowest hand wins the pot. But regarding the
game in question in your letter, California Lowball, you are correct that it didn’t
matter that you had a heart flush. California Lowball, also called Ace to five,
is a form of lowball in which the best possible hand is just what you held --
A 2 3 4 5. The ace is considered a low card and straights and flushes DO NOT count
against you.
As for Kansas City Lowball, or Deuce to Seven Lowball, the
best possible hand is a 2 3 4 5 7. In this form of lowball, the Ace can only be considered
a high card and Straights and Flushes DO count against you.
