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Anyone familiar with Seven Card Stud won’t really need to read the following explanation of Eight Or Better. Essentially it’s the same game but with the addition of a high-low element. This means that the final pot is split between the players with the highest and lowest hands. High hands are compared according to standard poker rankings while low hands are compared using Ace to Five hand rankings.
If you’re new to both Seven Card Stud and Eight Or Better then read on for a full explanation of the rules of this game. Antes are commonly used when betting and a ‘bring-in’ can be placed to stimulate betting if required. Between two and eight players are required to play.
Eight Or Better Stud Rules
After the antes have been placed all players receive two hole cards face down and one face up which is visible to all players. The player with the lowest face up card starts proceedings by placing the bring-in (if it’s being used) or by betting in the usual way:
- Fold – discard the card
- Check – opt not to bet but remain in the hand
- Call – match the biggest bet placed so far
- Raise – increase the bet
A second face up card is now distributed to each player and there’s another betting round. The player with the best face up poker hand starts betting now and in subsequent betting rounds. Two more face up cards are now dealt to each player followed by one face down card with a burn card discarded before each deal.
Assuming that two or more players remain in the game at this point, the showdown takes place and cards are compared. The pot is split between the players with the best high and low hands and of course this can be the same person. Note that low hand rankings can differ so make sure you know how Ace to Five rankings work – read more here.