Faldo Says “Yay” or “Nay” to Common Dealer’s Choice Games – Part VII

There are other poker games besides what is dealt in casinos and tournaments. The casino games are there because of their speed and simplicity in dealing. More hands equals more rake for the house.

But there are some fun, entertaining and exciting poker games you can deal in a home game, which make you have to think outside “the flop” sometimes.

The description of the following games in this series is Faldo’s opinion only. Others may like my take on a game and some will not. That’s fine. It’s all good. Here we go:

Little Squeeze

I have explained this game in past articles, mainly during the telling of my poker up-bringing. It was the game I was weaned on.

It is basically 5-card stud played Hi-Lo, with the A-2-3-4-5 wheel as the perfect low. Straights and flushed can be used for both Hi and Lo hands. Pairs are the worst low.

After everyone has their 5 cards, there is a ‘buy’ round – or an exchange round – where you trade in the card of your choice for another from the deck. The number of exchange rounds is determined by the dealer prior to dealing. Usually there is a fee of a small bet for the new card.

This is a pot builder game if it is an ‘action’ crowd. I have seen it played with up to 3 buying rounds. I like one buying round, as I have noticed that one buying round tends to see five people stay for the ‘buy’, where with 3 buys, usually only three players make the trip.

Back in the day, 7 players saw all three buys! Many a giant pot happened.

Faldo says Yay to this one - big time! A big edge to the player paying attention to cards dealt and discarded.

Low Ball or Low Poker or Razz

There are three types of scales for low poker, and it is strictly and matter of preference which one you deal.

As mentioned above, the A-2-3-4-5 wheel is usually the most common ‘best hand’ in low poker. But there is the ‘California Low’ of 6-4-3-2-A and the best low, and the Ace is high only, 7-5-4-3-2.

It is a dealer’s choice decision on what constitutes the best hand and what format you will deal the cards; Stud, Draw, board game, etc.

It changes up the poker night a little, but of course be prepared. As soon as someone mentions we are playing low ball, for some reason everyone is dealt full houses, straights and flushes. I can’t tell you the number of trips I have been dealt when someone decides to ‘switch it up.’

The Poker Gods love laughing at Faldo - as do the Golf Gods and of course so do women Faldo asks out.

Faldo says 'Yay'. It's fun and changes up the thinking.