Wheel

A 'Wheel' in poker refers to the lowest straight possible, which is A-2-3-4-5. It's also known as the 'bicycle' or 'bike', and is 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. Also known as the 'bicycle' or 'bike', it is the lowest straight possible. 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