Stud Hi-Lo

Overview

Stud Hi-Lo (also called Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo or Stud Eight or Better) is a split-pot poker game in which players receive seven cards over multiple rounds of betting, and the pot is divided between the best high hand and the best low hand that qualifies (typically an 8-low or better). If no low hand qualifies, the high hand wins the entire pot.

Rules and Gameplay

The game follows the same structure as standard Seven Card Stud: each player receives three cards initially (two face-down, one face-up), followed by four more face-up cards (fourth, fifth, and sixth streets) and a final face-down card (seventh street). There is a betting round after each card is dealt.

In Stud Hi-Lo, all players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three of their community cards (since there is no community board) – actually, in Seven Card Stud each player has their own seven cards; the best five-card high hand and the best five-card low hand are made from those seven cards. The low hand must consist of five unpaired cards with ranks 8 or lower (Ace counts as low) to qualify. Straights and flushes do not count against a low hand; the best low is A-2-3-4-5 (a "wheel").

Betting Structure

Betting is typically fixed-limit, with a small bring-in on third street (often the lowest card showing). Limits double on fifth street and beyond (or on sixth street in some variants). The game can also be played pot-limit or no-limit in home games or mixed games.

Strategy Considerations

Because the pot is shared, hands that can scoop (win both high and low) are especially valuable. Starting hands with three low cards (e.g., A-2-3) or three high cards (e.g., A-A-K) are strong, but hands that have both high and low potential (like A-2-5 with a suited Ace) are premium. Position matters as players see each other's upcards. Low hands are often "freerolling" when they have a chance to win both halves, while high-only hands must be careful not to get quartered (losing half the pot to a better low).

Common Variants

• Stud 8 or Better: The most common version, requiring an 8-low to qualify.
• Stud Hi-Lo No Qualifier: Some home games or tournaments use no qualifier, meaning any low hand wins half the pot, even if it's terrible (e.g., 9-7-5-4-2). This changes strategy dramatically.
• Razz: A low-only variant of Seven Card Stud (not split), where the lowest hand wins.

Summary

Stud Hi-Lo combines the complexity of Seven Card Stud with split-pot dynamics, rewarding players who can read hands and evaluate multiple draws. It is a staple in mixed-game rotations (e.g., H.O.R.S.E.) and popular in both cash games and tournaments.