Online Poker » Dealers Choice Games » 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better

7 Card Stud poker is a traditional poker game that involves players who are trying to get the best 5-card hand. Prior to the massive spike in the popularity of Texas Holdem, 7 Card Stud was the most popular poker game in casinos across the eastern part of the United States. 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better further refines the game of 7 Card Stud. Unlike regular 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better splits the pot between the highest and lowest hands. The lowest hand, however, cannot contain cards that are greater than 8.

How 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better Works

7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better is usually played with 2 to 8 players. Eight players can be problematic if nobody folds and it will require special rules for the last cards dealt. In experienced circles, 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better is often played between 9 players, based on the assumption that most players will fold.

To start the game, each player puts forth an ante. The amount of the ante will be determined by the specific casino or house rules you follow. Starting to his or her left, the dealer gives each player two face down cards. These cards are known as the pocket or the hole. Then, the dealer deals a third card face up, known as the door.

Players look at their face down card and betting begins. The player displaying the lowest door (face up) card begins by placing a bet, known as a bring-in. Betting proceeds clockwise. Players can call (meet the current bet), raise or fold. Once betting is completed, a fourth, face up card is dealt, known as fourth street. Following fourth street is another betting round. This time, the player who has the highest face up cards starts the bet.

Two more face up cards are dealt, known as fifth street and sixth street, respectively. After each card is dealt, a betting round occurs starting again with the player that has the highest face up cards. Following sixth street, a final, face down card is dealt, followed by a final round of betting.

How to Win 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better

After the final betting round, a showdown occurs in which players show their cards. In 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better, players try to make the best 5 card poker hand or the best low card hand out of their 7 cards. The pot is split between the highest and lowest 5 card hands. Usually, straits and flushes don't count against you in a low card hand. For example, in most cases, the best low card hand is A, 2, 3, 4, 5. This is known as the wheel.

7 Card Stud Hi-Lo, 8 or Better has the stipulation that low card hands cannot contain cards higher than 8. If your hand is A, 2, 3, 4, 9, for example, your hand would not be considered low.