What Is Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo?
Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo is played almost exactly like traditional Seven Card Stud, with the key difference that the pot can be split between two winners:
- High Hand: Best five-card poker hand according to standard high rankings
- Low Hand: Five different cards ranked eight or lower, Aces count as low
If a player has the best hand for both high and low, they can “scoop” the entire pot.
Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo Rules
Game Format
- 2–8 players
- Uses antes and a bring-in instead of blinds
- Fixed-limit betting is standard in most casinos and tournaments
- No community cards — all cards are dealt directly to players
Dealing Sequence
- Antes: All players post antes before the deal.
- Third Street: Two face-down cards (hole cards) and one face-up card are dealt to each player. The player with the lowest upcard posts the bring-in bet.
- Fourth Street: Each player gets a second upcard. Betting starts with the player showing the best upcards.
- Fifth Street: Third upcard is dealt, betting continues (higher betting limit begins here).
- Sixth Street: Fourth upcard is dealt, betting at the higher limit.
- Seventh Street: Final down card is dealt. Last betting round.
- Showdown: Pot is split between best high and qualifying low.
Betting Structure
Antes and Bring-In
- Antes are small forced bets paid by all players before cards are dealt
- The player with the lowest upcard on Third Street posts the bring-in bet
Fixed-Limit Play
- First two betting rounds use the lower limit
- Final three betting rounds use the higher limit
Betting Round Summary
- Third Street (bring-in + small bet)
- Fourth Street (small bet)
- Fifth Street (big bet)
- Sixth Street (big bet)
- Seventh Street (big bet)
Hand Rankings for High Hands
High hands follow standard poker rankings
Low Hand Rules (8 or Better)
Qualifying for Low
- Must have five different cards ranked eight or lower
- Straights and flushes do not count against a low hand
- Pairs disqualify the hand from low
Best Possible Low Hand
- A-2-3-4-5 (“The Wheel”) is the strongest low hand possible
Examples
- 8-6-5-3-2 qualifies as low
- 9-5-4-3-2 does not qualify (9 is too high)
- 8-7-6-4-2 qualifies (since all cards are 8 or lower and unpaired)
Showdown Rules
Splitting the Pot
- Half the pot to the best high hand, half to the best qualifying low hand
- If no low hand qualifies, the high hand wins the entire pot
Scooping the Pot
- If one player has both the best high and best low hand, they win 100% of the pot
Where to Play Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
As of now, we are not aware of any online site offering this game format.
Final Takeaway
Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo (8 or Better) adds a whole new dimension to the classic stud format by rewarding both high and low hands. It’s a game of patience and observation, and the split-pot dynamic creates bigger incentives for strong all-around hands. Whether played in cash games, tournaments, or mixed-game formats, it remains a cornerstone of serious poker play.
FAQs: Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo Rules
What does “8 or Better” mean?
It means a low hand must have five different cards ranked eight or lower to qualify.
Can Aces be low in Stud Hi/Lo?
Yes — Aces are low for the purpose of low hands, high for the purpose of high hands.
Can I win both high and low pots?
Yes — this is called “scooping” the pot.
What happens if no low hand qualifies?
The entire pot goes to the best high hand.
Can I play 7 Card Stud hi/lo online?
We are not aware of any site offering this game type online. Yet.