Poker Basics: High-Low Split (8)

More swings, more strategy, more pots, more action! High-low split is poker on steroids. Get ready to re-wire your brain.

Omaha and Seven-Stud High-Low Split (8) are played just like their traditional "High-Only" cousins, all the way down to the showdown. Then the pot is split equally between the best high hand, and the best qualifying low hand.

Straights and flushes do not count against the low, but pairs do. A2345 is the best possible low, beating A2346 (which in turn beats A2356). High-Low Split games are played "8 or better," meaning that no card in a low hand may be above an 8, making 45678 the worst possible qualifying low.

But the fun continues: A player can scoop the pot by winning both the high and the low.


A2345 suited is the nut low (remember, straights and flushes do not count against the low), and a straight flush is also generally considered to be a good high hand. Moreover, you don't have to use the same five cards for both hands.


This Seven-Stud holding represents a Queen-high flush, as well as a 7-low.

If there is no qualifying low hand, the high hand wins the entire pot.

Pot-Limit Omaha High-Low Split (8) is generally considered the most complex and confusing (and fun and frustrating) form of poker spread in casinos today. Strong, experienced players have been known to completely misevaluate their holdings. We recommend playing a few hands on our free-money tables before frying your brain and your wallet.