How to Play Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo
Stud's upcard puzzle with separate high and eight-or-better low halves.
Learn the rules ↓What is Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo?
Win the high share, the qualifying low share, or scoop both from a seven-card stud hand.
This format combines Seven-Card Stud with the established eight-or-better split-pot convention.
Dealer, forced bets & starting cards
Third through seventh street follow Stud's exposed-card sequence. The lowest exposed third-street card brings in under the cited room rules.
Forced bets: Ante and bring-in. Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
Betting rounds & legal actions
Betting schedule: 5 streets of betting. When action reaches you, fold, check if no bet is pending, bet, call, or raise within the table's betting limits. An all-in wager is possible when your remaining stack is smaller than a full bet; side pots can result.
Betting limits: Usually fixed-limit. Always confirm the posted stake and raise rules before play.
Showdown & pot award
The best five-card high wins half. A qualifying low uses five distinct ranks eight or below under ace-to-five rules; if none exists, high takes all.
See the rule at the table.
From A♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♥ 8♠ K♦ K♣, the A-2-3-4-8 selection qualifies as an eight-low while the high side is evaluated separately.
The mistake to avoid
Chasing a low draw that cannot qualify or assuming a low must be awarded every hand.
A sound starting approach
Track exposed low cards and seek hands with scoop potential rather than routinely aiming for only half the pot.
Venue and format variations
The cited PokerStars game uses fixed-limit betting and an eight-or-better low. Other house procedures can differ; confirm the table's posted rules.
Game mechanics, tournament procedures, and local house rules are different layers. Poker TDA publishes tournament procedures; the table operator's posted game rules decide the exact version you play.
Follow one hand, step by step.
All players ante.
This fixed sequence teaches the deal and betting order. It does not simulate an actual hand.
Check your understanding.
QUESTION 1 / 2Does a low hand always receive half the Stud Hi-Lo pot?
Read the correct chart.
The high half uses ordinary high ranks. A qualifying low needs five unpaired ranks eight or lower; ace is low and straights or flushes do not hurt it.
- 5♠4♦3♣2♥A♠Best low: wheelQualifies and can also be a high straight.
- 8♠6♦4♣2♥A♠Eight-lowQualifies, but loses to a lower top card.
- 9♠7♦5♣3♥A♠No lowNine-high fails the eight-or-better qualifier.
Frequently asked questions
What cards and deck does Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo use?
Standard 52-card deck. Cards received over the hand: 7 over the hand: 3 down, 4 up; community cards: 0 normally.
How is the pot awarded?
The best five-card high wins half. A qualifying low uses five distinct ranks eight or below under ace-to-five rules; if none exists, high takes all.
Which rules should I check at a real table?
The cited PokerStars game uses fixed-limit betting and an eight-or-better low. Other house procedures can differ; confirm the table's posted rules. Confirm the venue's betting limits, forced bets, and tournament or cash-game procedures.
Related poker terms
Continue exploring
Playing this game in a tournament? Explore tournament formats and rules ↗
Source documents
These original explanations were reviewed 2026-10-15. The linked organizations publish the underlying rules; Flawless Poker is an educational guide, not an official ruling body.
- PokerStars Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo rules ↗Published room split-pot rules
- Poker TDA 2026 Rules v1.1 (Sept. 21, 2026) ↗Tournament procedures; not a universal rulebook for every game