Seven Card Stud Hi Lo - How to Play Rules & Strategies

Introduction

Hi-Lo Stud, also known as 7 Stud Hi-Lo or Stud Eight-or-Better, is a variation of Poker. Unlike other Poker games, where only the best high hand wins, Hi-Lo Stud splits the winnings, allowing players to win both the high and low halves of the pot.

Here’s an in-depth guide on how to play Hi-Lo Stud.

What is Hi-Lo Stud?

Hi-Lo Stud, or 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, is a twist on the traditional Seven Card Stud. In this variation, the pot is divided between two winning hands: one with the highest hand and another with the lowest. This means that in each round, there can be two winners—one for having the strongest high hand and another for obtaining the top low hand.

Hi-Lo Stud is played using a standard 52-card deck, similar to the traditional Seven Card Stud. However, it features unique criteria for evaluating both the high and low hands to decide how each pot's shares are divided among players.

How to Play Stud Hi-Lo

Hi-Lo Stud is played with up to eight players using a standard 52-card deck. 

• Ante: Players must place an ante before the hand begins. The ante size can vary depending on the table stakes.
• Dealing: Each player is dealt seven cards, but only three are visible to the other players at the start.

1. Two face-down cards (hole cards)
2. One face-up card (door card)

Betting Rounds

1. Third Street: Each player receives their first three cards (two face-down and one face-up). The player with the lowest face-up card must start the betting. This is often called the ‘bring-in’.
2. Fourth Street: Each player is dealt another face-up card. The player with the highest hand showing now begins the betting.
3. Fifth Street: A fifth card is dealt face-up to each player. The highest-hand showing continues to lead the betting.
4. Sixth Street: A sixth card is dealt face-up to each player. Again, the highest hand showing leads to betting.
5. Seventh Street (the River): The final, seventh card is dealt face-down. The final round of betting begins with the player showing the best hand.

Evaluating Hands in Hi-Lo Stud

There are two types of hands to evaluate: high hands and low hands.

High Hand

The high hand is similar to traditional Poker, where the best hand wins. The rankings are as follows:

1. Royal Flush
2. Straight Flush
3. Four of a Kind
4. Full House
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three-of-a-Kind
8. Two Pair
9. One Pair
10. High Card (Ace is high)

Low Hand

The low hand in Hi-Lo Stud is based on the Ace-to-Five lowball system, where the best possible low hand is A-2-3-4-5. The rankings for low hands are:

1. A-2-3-4-5 (the wheel)
2. 2-3-4-5-6
3. 3-4-5-6-7
4. 4-5-6-7-8
5. 5-6-7-8-9
6. 6-7-8-9-10
7. 7-8-9-10-J
8. 8-9-10-J-Q

The low hand must have five cards, all ranked 8 or lower, with no pairs. Straights and flushes do not count against the low hand.

If there is no valid low hand, the player with the best high hand wins the whole pot.

Pot Split in Hi-Lo Stud

Once all betting rounds are finished, the pot is divided between the highest and lowest hands. If no player meets the criteria for a low hand (a hand that is 8-high or lower), then the high hand claims the entire pot. The pot is split accordingly if multiple players have the same high or low hand.

Strategy for Hi-Lo Stud

High Hand Strategy

• Starting Hand Selection: Hi-Lo Stud involves both a high and a low hand, so you should carefully select your starting hands. If you have cards that can form strong hands (like a pair of Aces or high-suited cards), you will want to stay in hand for the potential high hand.
• Positioning: Consider your position when betting. The player with the highest visible hand initiates the betting in each round. Therefore, if you have a high card showing, you can frequently bet or raise to apply pressure on your opponents.
• Play Aggressively with Strong Hands: When you hold a powerful high hand, such as three of a kind or a straight, it's crucial to bet and raise assertively. This strategy not only builds the pot but also pressures opponents who might be aiming for a low hand.

Low Hand Strategy

• Look for Low Cards: Your goal in Hi-Lo Stud is to make the best possible low hand, so starting with cards like A-2, 2-3, or 3-4 is ideal. A low hand can often win you half the pot, even if you miss a high hand.
• Watch Out for High Cards: Be cautious if your hand is strong for a low but your opponent is showing strong high cards. You could still lose if they hit a better high hand.
• Pursuing Both Hands: Often, your objective is to pursue both the high and low hands. For instance, with a 5-6-7 in hand, you are targeting a straight for the high hand but also preparing for a potential low hand if you miss out on completing the straight.

Example of a Hi-Lo Stud Hand

Let’s go through an example to understand the game:

• Player 1: 3♠ 4♦ 7♣ (Ace showing)
• Player 2: 2♥ 8♦ 6♠ (Ace showing)

On Fourth Street, Player 1 gets a 6♠, and Player 2 gets a 5♣. Player 1 now has a low hand, and Player 2 is still chasing their low.

By Sixth Street, Player 1 has a 3♠ 4♦ 6♠ 7♣, making them a potential straight. Player 2 is still chasing their low hand but hasn’t progressed much.

By Seventh Street, Player 1 finishes their straight with a 5♠, while Player 2 draws a 3♠ but still has an 8-high low hand as their best.

In this scenario, Player 1 secures the high hand by holding a straight, whereas Player 2 claims victory in the low hand with a 3-4-5-6-8 combination. As a result, they share the pot.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Pursuing Both Hands Without a Solid Draw: Trying to secure both a high hand and a low hand with weak cards can leave you empty-handed, causing unnecessary loss of chips.
• Not Recognizing a Good Low Hand Early: In Hi-Lo Stud, it’s important to recognize when your low hand is strong enough to win half of the pot. Don’t throw away your low hand too early if you have sound potential.
• Focusing Only on One Hand: Remember, Hi-Lo Stud is about high and low hands. You want to be flexible and capable of adjusting your strategy depending on the strength of your hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 8-or-Better Rule?

According to the 8-or-Better rule, a low hand must consist of five cards, each ranked 8 or below. The hand cannot contain any pairs, straights, or flushes. For instance, A-2-3-5-7 qualifies as a valid hand under this rule, while 8-9-10-J-Q does not meet the criteria.

Can a Straight or Flush Count as a Low Hand?

No. Straights and flushes do not count against a low hand in Hi-Lo. For example, A-2-3-4-5 is straight for the high hand but qualifies as the best possible low hand (the ‘wheel’).

How is the Pot Split?

The pot is split evenly between the best high hand and the best low hand. The high hand takes the entire pot if no qualifying low hand exists. Ties for either high or low split their respective half of the pot.

Can you play 7 Card Stud online for free?

Yes, there are many online platforms and apps that offer practice tables or free-play modes. Playing free 7 7-card stud Poker games is a great way to learn and practice your skills before moving to cash games or tournaments.

Conclusion

Hi-Lo Stud is a thrilling Poker variation that requires mastering the requirements for both high and low hands to succeed. By selecting the right starting hands, understanding hand rankings, and wisely managing your bets, you can increase your chances of winning both parts of the pot.