A beginner’s strategy guide to Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo

Replay Poker recently launched two new poker variants: Seven Card Stud and Hi/Lo. Ready to dip your toes in the water? We have a guide for you to get started with Hi/Lo.

Starting hands

Until you get experienced, fold hands that aren’t connected.

Start with three low cards, three running cards, three suited cards, or pairs for the initial bet. You might want to raise the “bring in” bet if your hand is particularly attractive, or the majority of your opponents have medium to high cards showing.

Betting

Remember that in Fixed Limit poker, Third Street and Fourth Street are set at the low blind level. Because of this, it’s usually fine to call some action on the Fourth card if you get that far, providing you don’t whiff completely or any opponent raises with an obviously good card. 

• An ace for your opponent is usually strong because it counts as both high and low.
• Be mindful that if players start with a low card and are dealt another low card, they may be well on their way to completing a low draw — or have at least a pair.

Observation is key

Keep a mental note of the folded cards. You’ll want to know exactly how many of your suit are left if you’re aiming for a flush. Not to mention if anyone else may have one! Also keep tabs on how many straight or pair cards are left which could hit you.    

A rule of thumb is that most players fold on Third, Fifth, or Seventh Street. For most players, if their hand is good enough to take the fourth card, it’s usually all right to call another bet on the cheaper Fourth Street. 

If you get to the sixth card, you should only have played on fifth street with a good understanding of your objectives for the pot. Pot odds should be attractive enough to take the final card.

Don’t get trapped looking for half!

Just like in Omaha Hi/Lo, shooting for half the pot with a draw is a very bad proposition.

The best you can hope for is a little more than your money back. Even if you do catch, you often get quartered or lose altogether. That’s not to say never, ever go for one side of the pot — sometimes it’s clear that you’re the only one who has a strong chance. Still, it is a situation you should avoid until you become experienced. 

Looking for more information? We like Daniel Negreanu’s take on this format:

For basic rules on Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, please read our Help Center article.