Stud 8/b

Updated In January, 2012 - Seven-card stud hi-lo, Stud 8 or better "Stud 8b", "Stud 8/b", is a split pot variant of 7 card stud. Low hands are read the same as Omaha hi-low or any other 8-or-better game. In high low split, each player makes a separate five-card high hand and five-card Ace-to-Five low hand (eight-high or lower to qualify), and the pot is split between the high and low (which may be the same player). To qualify for low, a player must be able to play an 8-7-6-5-4 (8-6-4-2-A) or lower in any variation (this is why it is called "eight-or-better", or simply Stud 8b). If there is no qualifying low hand, the high hand wins (scoops) the whole pot. A 'scoop' can also take high hand and low hand.

More examples of Stud H/L hands: (6543A) 7432A - Qualifying low cards: 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A In Stud/8, it's important to remember that there are major differences that one must account for, primarily:

• Dead cards - in any stud game you have a lot more info at your disposal, namely, the dead cards. Keep track of the cards that have been shown and you will have a HUGE advantage over the other players. It's very difficult to remember each and every card, so concentrate on remembering those cards that either you or your opponents may have needed- straight cards, flush cards, dead low cards, etc..

Fluid position. In stud, position can and does change with each round of play. Keep in mind that raising for a free card when you are in late position may backfire if you pair off and are suddenly in first position. Experience alone will help you understand position in stud games, it's very difficult. Here are some links to my other sites:

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Because most low limit stud players are too loose, you can beat that game by simply playing much tighter than your opponents - that'll be the basis of your strategy.

The best hands in Stud 8b are (in order):

* rolled trips (KKK, 333)
* pair of aces with a low card (AA5)
* three cards to low straight flush
* three cards to low straight or flush (235 or 346)
* three low cards with an ace (like A35, A26)
* high pairs (AA, KK, QQ, JJ)
* low pairs with an ace (like 22A, A88)

Don't play anything else until you have had some experience.

First and foremost, PLAY TO SCOOP. You want the WHOLE POT. Hands that have two way potential can be played much more strongly than one way hands, even if you're behind in one or both directions.

Do not draw to second best hands, if you're drawing to a low, be sure that it will be the best low if you make it. don't draw to a straight when someone else looks to be drawing to a flush, etc. the exception is if you're playing for both ends. if you have a low straight draw to an 8 high straight, and there appears to be a flush draw and a better low draw out there, go ahead and play, maybe even get very aggressive and try to knock out one of the others.

Some hands do better heads up, while others do much better multiway. Big draws to low straights and flushes like big multi-way pots. Pairs, aces, kings, queens, and low pairs with an ace, do better heads up- try to thin the field with strategic raises on third and fourth- remember, you want the WHOLE POT.

Use raises throughout the hand to knock out other hands if a good opportunity arises. You really want to knock out the low draws if you're going high (so you can win the whole pot) but it's also very important to raise to knock out other draws going the same way as you. If you have a high pair and someone else appears to be drawing at a straight, make them call two bets for the privilege.

Remember that until it is made, even a good low draw (such as 2357) is behind even a pair of queens or kings. you don't want to be heads up against a high hand if you only have a draw to half the pot. Fold and save some BBs. once it is made however, you will often be free rolling for the high end- be very aggressive and try to get the WHOLE POT.

Slow playing is generally a bad idea in loose stud/8 games. Don't do it unless you have a high rolled set or another real monster (i'd slow play a wheel unless it looks like flush draws or trips are out there). Do not let players draw on free cards. Take free cards but never give them out, especially on 5th street.

As with most poker games, be tight & aggressive. Check-raising and three betting are very important in stud hilo strategy. the pots should be jammed a lot if there are good players at the table- don't be afraid to jam them yourself if you feel that you have a lock for one way or both.

The ability to read hands and analyze opponents and their strategies is more important in Stud 8b than any other form of poker. Experience will help- concentrate first on deciding whether a player is going high or low. It can be very deceptive at times.

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UltimateBet is the home of some serious professional poker players. The site offers itself as a place where new poker players can learn the game; they can learn poker strategy offered by world class poker players and then play at practice tournaments to try out what they have learned. Further poker tips can be picked up by accessing the poker news and reading the poker advice offered by world class poker players at UltimateBet.

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