High/Low Split variations
First, there was high-only poker. Soon after, there was lowball, invented by any number of players who had one of those nights where they just couldn’t catch an ace. Not long after that, someone must have decided to try both at once. Five-card high/low probably came first, although it is somewhat rare now.
A number of games in this book are “split” variants, presumably deriving from high/low draw poker.
We have specific sections for Omaha High/Low, Stud/8, Razzdugi, Badeucy, dramadugi.md and Stud High/Low No Qualifier, which all have their own rules spelled out specifically.
In general (and to avoid having every pair of games combined specifically), any two games can be combined into high/low, provided that:
- One game is “high” and one game is “low”. It is important to designate the high hand because since the high hand gets the odd chip (see ties & odd chips).
- Extra cards in play do not affect the hand beyond the usual five cards (or four cards for a Badugi hand).
Extra rules may apply, such as these:
- In Action Razz, a 6th card can be used for a qualifier.
- In Baducey, aces play high for the Badugi hand and the 2-7 hand, even though they would generally be “good” cards in Badugi.
When combining two games, give specific consideration to making the hands work together to make a “scoop” likely.