Stud hi/lo/8 - Throwing Away a Wheel Draw

Very loose 6-12 7 stud hi/lo/8 game. I am in seat 7 and pick up <U>Ac 2d</U> 3s. The 2c on my left in seat 8 brings it in for $2; the upcards around the table are


Kd Qd Ks 6s 3h Tc 3s(me) 2c.


The 6s and 3h limp in, with the paints folding. I also limp. 4 handed to 4th street.


4th street:


<U>X X</U> 6s 3c


<U>X X</U> 3h Jh


<U>Ac 2d</U> 3s Jc (me)


<U>X X</U> 2c 5d


First J3 checks, I check, it's checked around for a free card.


(Side question: if there is a bet, should I call here? I generally fold with 3 low cards and a paint on 4th street, but I do have 3 wheel cards.)


5th street:


<U>X X</U> 6s 3c 6d


<U>X X</U> 3h Jh 5h


<U>Ac 2d</U> 3s Jc 4d (me)


<U>X X</U> 2c 5d 6c


The pair of sixes bets, the 3-heart board calls, and I look around. The good news is that I have a wheel draw. The bad news is twofold: (a) looking at the 3 very live hearts, my straight draw might not win high, and (b) my draw for low is not live, with 2 fives and 3 sixes out.


I threw this hand right in the muck! Does everyone agree that this is a lousy draw?


Caution: BLASPHEMY and HERESY to follow:


I think that there are many times when a wheel draw is overrated. I know that most of my opponents think of it as the Holy Grail, and would never ever fold a wheel draw before 7th street.


The main problem is that, with the single exception of 2345, your straight draw to win high is only an inside draw, with a maximum of 4 outs. And it can also be a bad draw for high if there are flush draws, higher straight draws, or trips out against you.


You also have to consider how good your low (that you are still drawing to) has to be to win, by looking at your opponents' boards. In my hand above, I can't be sure that a 7 low will be good enough, even though there are more live sevens (4) than live sixes and fives combined. All 3 opponents have 6 or 5 high boards.


I do want to clarify that if you have a wheel draw with something else of value - a made high or low - then it is priceless. Examples would be 542AAA or A2457. Now you can hopefully jam with your made hand and have a draw at the wheel for going for the scoop.


Comments?


Dick