Wheel
A 'Wheel' in poker refers to the lowest possible straight, which runs from ace to five (Ax2x3x4x5x). It is especially powerful in any A-5 lowball variant (like razz or A-5 lowball triple draw) and most hi-lo variants where it is the unbeatable nut low.
What is a Wheel in Poker?
In poker, a "wheel" refers to a straight that runs from ace to five (i.e. Ax2x3x4x5x). Despite being the "lowest" straight, the wheel is a strong hand because it is also the nut low in many game variants.
Understanding the Wheel
The wheel is a unique hand in poker as it is the only time that the ace is played as low in most poker variants.
It's a powerful hand in games like Omaha hi-lo or stud hi-lo, where the goal is to make a hand that can win both the high half of the pot and the low. The Wheel, in these games, is usually the best possible low hand you can make.
Playing with a Wheel
When you hit 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 locks up half the pot for you (unless you get quartered).
However, in games where only the high hand wins, a wheel is still a straight, but it's the lowest one. As a result, things like your opponent's play, any reads you have, and the texture of the board will inform your strategies.
Example of "Wheel"
For instance, if you're playing a hand of Texas hold'em and the board reads 3♣4♣5♥J♠9♦ and you hold theA♦2♦, you have the wheel. Your main worry in this hand is that someone might have a higher straight.
- "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 to five Ax2x3x4x5x. It is the lowest straight possible but the very best low in main lowball and hi-lo variants.
How powerful is a Wheel?
A Wheel is a unique hand that can be very powerful in certain game variants. In Hi-Lo games, razz, and A-5 lowball games, the wheel is the nut low.
Can a wheel win in high games?
Yes, in games where only the high hand wins, a wheel is still a straight. While a straight is a strong hand, the wheel is still the lowest straight possible, 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."
