RULES OF THUMB

Below are some rules of thumb that ought to form the basis of any decent 7 card stud hi-lo player. They are merely strategy tips. Any decisions made should of course be dependent upon the next street cards and the basic poker principles (position, players at table etc.).

1. Only play a powerful high hand if you're the only one going high and if there's lots of competition on the low side. Why? Because many people drawing to low means that a lot of low cards are already out, increasing your chances of scooping, and even if you have to settle for half the pot, a lot of people will have donated to your cause along the way.


2. Push your coordinated low cards hard. If you have three to a low straight or low flush, treat it as the powerful hand it is. After all, if you're going to scoop a pot, you want it to be a pot worth scooping. Raise! Keep pushing as long as you keep improving, and only slow down or surrender if you brick out.


3. Hands with aces are worth more. Since an ace can be either a high or a low card, aces in your hand are a very good thing. A starting hand like (A-3) 5, even if it's not suited, has a number of ways to grow into a two-way winner.


4. Don't play hands containing an 8. This sounds like a funny rule of thumb, I know, but think about it: If you have an 8 in your hand, you're naturally aiming for a high low (a low with 8 as your top card) or a low high (a pair or a set of 8s, or a straight containing an 8). In either case, you're vulnerable to better hands on both sides. You'll have to surrender this hand in the face of active betting in almost any case anyhow, so stay out of trouble by not getting involved in the first place.

If you'd like to learn more about the play of this fascinating game, I suggest you read 7-Card Stud (Hi-Lo Split, 8 Or Better), Book One by Andy Nelson. It tells the beginner everything he needs to know. You also might like to check out Wilson Software's Turbo Seven Card Stud 8 or Better for Windows. It a little pricey (list is $89.95), but like all good simulations, it saves you a lot of money over time by giving you the experience you need before you put your own cash in play.