7 Card Stud Hi/Lo Split

July 25, 2005

Though we usually discuss Texas Holdem, as it is the most popular poker game, today I want to discuss a game that I play for fun sometimes. 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo split is played the same as 7 Card Stud with the exception that the pot is often split between the best high hand and best low hand. Just like in Omaha/8, the low hand must be 8 high or less. It can be a fun game to play, but the swings can be very high. As it can be a very complex game, we are only going to hit a few of the high points so you can feel comfortable if you decide to sit in a game.

Many of the best strategies for Omaha/8 are also the best strategies for 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo. It is a game of scoops. The best starting hands are the ones that allow you a chance to win both halves of the pot, either by winning the high hand when no-one hits a low or winning both the low and the high, usually with a straight, flush or two pair. For this reason you should look for starting hands that contain three low cards, preferably with an Ace and/or suited cards, and trips or high pairs. Also, a hand with three high cards with at least two of them suited opens up the possibilities of both a straight and flush.

A skill that is necessary to be a winning player in 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo split is memory. It is imperative that you pay attention to the exposed cards of all of your opponents, even the ones who fold, in order to correctly determine your outs and odds as well as determining the potential holdings of your opponents. A good example of this is when you have an open-end straight draw, if you have already seen two of the cards you need, your outs are reduced from 8 to six.

The one area that has to be pointed out that most new players tend to struggle with is chasing a low draw. If one or two opponents are betting and raising and all you have is a draw to a low, you must fold unless you have a good chance to win the high hand also. Always remember that the best you can do with just the low is win half the pot. If you are only drawing to a low, you will consistently lose money.

7 Card Stud Hi/Lo can be very fun to play, but very difficult to master. While I feel that it is always good to learn how to play many different games, I suggest starting your Stud Hi/Lo career with the thought that it's for fun, and see how well you like it before risking a large percentage of your bankroll.

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