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London Lowball Strategy
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Strategies For London Lowball Poker
London lowball poker is a variant of seven-card stud and the ever-popular Razz poker game. London lowball poker is most popular in England and other European countries, where it first originated. London lowball is dealt with a standard fifty-two card deck with each player receiving seven poker cards and as with its two cousin games, London lowball is played by dealing out seven total cards, the first two facing down, the next four facing up, and the final card facing down. While London lowball is not found very often in online poker rooms, you may enjoy this variation in your own poker play. Some London lowball tips to get you started:London Lowball Tip Number One
Know the rules of the game before you play. As with any poker game or variation, knowing the rules is paramount to successful game play in London lowball. Basically, the same rules that apply in seven-card stud and Razz apply to London lowball play, although the lowest (and best) hand in London lowball is known as a Royal Six and consists of ace – two – three – four – and six, and flushes and straights count against London lowball players (which is why the five card doesn’t favor well in London lowball play, as it would form a straight). Aces are considered the lowest card in London lowball. The lowest London lowball hand of five cards wins the game.
London Lowball Tip Number Two
One of the most important strategies that most poker enthusiasts swear by is the bluff. In London lowball, there is a window for bluffing for those who are skilled enough to pull it off. Because four of your cards in London lowball are dealt facing down (hole cards), this is a good game for a skilled bluff to play. Remember, however, that bluffing should always be used with caution – and sparingly in London lowball or in any poker game.
London Lowball Tip Number Three
Be very observant of not only the cards that you hold in your hand, but also those that are on the table to get a good idea of what is left in the deck and what you chances are of getting the card that you need in London lowball. For example, if you see three two facing upwards, you can deduce that there is very little chance that you will get a two. By using your powers of observation instead of merely strategizing, you can improve your London lowball game by leaps and bounds.
London Lowball Tip Number Four
Know when to fold. This tip is one that holds true for all games of poker, not just London lowball. While being timid and conservative may cause you to lose a few hands, it’s often more profitable than playing a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of game that can end up costing your bankroll big. Apply caution with a bit of aggressiveness and you will learn the best folding and playing strategies as you go along.
London Lowball Tip Number Five
Practice your strategy. Since London lowball is not a frequently offered option in online poker rooms, it might be your best bet to gather a group of poker buddies together to learn the game hands-on in real time. Practice is the only way to learn the best moves to make in London lowball that can make you a top rated London lowball player.
