Wheel
A 'Wheel' in poker refers to the lowest straight possible, which is A-2-3-4-5. It's a powerful hand as it can also qualify as a low, depending on the game variant.
What is a Wheel in Poker?
In poker, a 'Wheel' refers to a straight that runs from Ace through 5: A-2-3-4-5. Despite being the 'lowest' straight, the Wheel is a strong hand because it can also qualify as a low, depending on the game variant.
Understanding the Wheel
The Wheel is a unique hand in poker as it involves the Ace which typically acts as the highest card in the deck, but in this case, it's used as a low card. It's also a powerful hand in games like Omaha Hi-Lo or Stud Hi-Lo, where the goal is to make the lowest hand possible. The Wheel, in these games, is often the best possible 'low' hand you can make.
Playing with a Wheel
When playing with a Wheel, it's important to consider the game variant and the tendencies of your opponents. In games where low hands are favored, a Wheel can be incredibly powerful. However, in games where only the high hand wins, a Wheel is still a straight, but it's the lowest one.
Example of "Wheel"
For instance, if you're playing a hand of Texas Hold'em and the community cards are A-2-4-5-J, and you hold a 3 in your hand, you have a Wheel.
- "He managed to complete his Wheel on the river, giving him the best low hand."
- "She was excited to see the 5 on the turn, completing her Wheel."
- "Despite only being the lowest straight, his Wheel was enough to win the pot."
Wheel in Poker FAQs
What is a Wheel in poker?
A Wheel in poker refers to a straight that runs from Ace through 5: A-2-3-4-5. It is the lowest straight possible.
How powerful is a Wheel?
A Wheel is a unique hand that can be very powerful in certain game variants. In games like Omaha Hi-Lo or Stud Hi-Lo, where the goal is to make the lowest hand possible, the Wheel is often the best possible 'low' hand you can make.
Can a Wheel win in high games?
Yes, in games where only the high hand wins, a Wheel is still a straight. However, it's the lowest straight, so any other straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, or straight flush would beat it.
Why is a Wheel also called a 'bicycle'?
The term 'bicycle' or 'bike' is just another name for a Wheel. The origins of the term are not entirely clear, but it's likely just a playful and creative alternative to 'Wheel'.