High low split (often written hi-lo) is a poker format where the pot is divided between two winners: the player with the best high hand and the player with the best qualifying low hand. If no player makes a qualifying low, the entire pot goes to the best high hand. This format is used in several popular poker variants including Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo.
The split-pot structure creates a fundamentally different strategic dynamic compared to high-only games. Players can win half the pot, the entire pot, or nothing. The most profitable hands in hi-lo games are those that can compete for both sides, known as “scooping” hands. A hand that wins both high and low takes the entire pot, which is the primary strategic goal.
The concept of qualifying for the low hand is central to hi-lo poker. In most variants using the “8-or-better” rule, a low hand must consist of five unpaired cards ranked eight or below. Straights and flushes do not count against a low hand. The best possible low is A-2-3-4-5, called “the wheel,” which also makes a straight for the high side.
How Does High Low Split Work?
At showdown, the dealer evaluates all remaining hands twice: once for the best high hand using standard poker rankings, and once for the best qualifying low hand.
The low hand is read from the highest card down. A hand of 8-6-4-3-A loses to 8-5-4-3-2 because the second-highest card (6 vs 5) determines the winner when the highest card ties. Aces count as low for the low hand evaluation.
If at least one player qualifies for low, the pot splits evenly. If the pot contains an odd chip, the high hand receives it. If no player qualifies for low (no one has five unpaired cards eight or below), the high hand scoops the entire pot.
High Low Split vs. High Only
In high-only games, the single best hand wins everything. In hi-lo games, winning half the pot after investing full bets can result in a net loss, a situation called “getting quartered.” This happens when two players split the low side while a third player wins the high. Each low player gets only a quarter of the total pot. Understanding this risk is essential for profitable hi-lo play: hands that can only win one side of the pot are significantly less valuable than scooping hands.
Key Facts
| Concept | Rule |
|---|---|
| Qualifying low | Five unpaired cards, 8 or below |
| Best low hand | A-2-3-4-5 (the wheel) |
| Straights/flushes | Do not count against the low |
| No qualifying low | High hand scoops entire pot |
| Odd chip | Goes to the high hand |
