Heads-up Stud HL Strategy

January, 2021 - When you’re playing this 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo if you have a low hand you could still win since the highest hand and lowest qualifying hand will split the pot. To get the low half of the pot your hand must be 8,7,6,5,4 or lower. The Ace in this games plays both high or low.  When playing starts you will both be dealt 2 cards face down and one up. The player with the lowest card showing will have to make the forced bet or either the half minimum or full bet to start. Now play begins since you are heads up you will need to lower your starting card standards so you can play more hands. Be cautious however if you don't hit anything on the 4th street it's best to fold, you don't want to get committed to a losing hand. Visit our Seven Card Stud Hi Lo strategy guide for more tips of visit the links below. These articles will give you a well rounded understanding of headsup Stud Hi Lo strategy as well as the strategies needed for shorthanded and full ring Stud 8 poker. Below you will find some links to other Stud HL strategy and Stud strategy articles.

Even though low hand wins half the pot your hand might not qualify since your must have cards with five dominations that are no higher then an eight.  You can either play for the high hand or the low but straights and flushes will not count you out of a low hand win so if your hand is 5432A this hand would be an unbeatable low hand and it's also a 5 high straight to aim for the high hand.

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High & Low Hand stud h/L Strategy

In the beginning to the middle of a tournament it's okay to go after a low hand win but once your heads up you will need to change your strategy a little to mostly go after the high cards.  If your starting cards are good for the low hand win then go for it but to win the tourney you will need to play high cards hands more often to win the pots.

Keep in mind that card value will increase each time a new street is dealt.  For example, if you were aiming for a high hand but get lower cards that could now possibly win the pot or take half as either the high hand or low if you have the chips call to see another street.  Any time there is an Ace on the board your opponent is going to feel a little unsure of his own hand so take advantage of it.

An Ace represents that you have a strong possibility of a good high hand and if you can draw out then it could be a great low hand as well so don't play this card passively but take control of the pot.  But don't make the mistake of chasing a low hand this late in the game if your opponent continues to raise without anything showing take caution.  Watch what cards they show and don't back down if you have a good hand.

stud hi lo Game Face

It can be hard to keep up with the math so pay attention to the players sitting with you at the final table whether you’re in a live or online tournament. Look for things that will give the player away, learn their playing style, are they aggressive or are they worn out and starting to play passively.  Once you get a feel for your opponent you can take advantage of it.

Always look to see what cards they are being dealt since only part of their hand is showing.   See how they react, do they take a while to act or is it an immediate raise.  Depending on how skilled your opponent is his actions will be deliberate to see your reaction.  For instance if he's quick to check that doesn't necessarily mean he has a bad hand. 

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