Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament

Different Ways to Play in 7 Card Stud Hi Lo

Playing cautiously and tightly in 7 Card Stud Hi Lo can help you stay in the hand for longer periods. However, this can also limit the amount you win, especially if the other players are also playing it tight. Therefore, it is all right, given the right situation, to be aggressive.

However, it should be stressed that there is a huge difference in terms of being aggressive and just being loose. For instance, a lot of players, in trying to be aggressive, end up chasing hands. This is a very poor 7 Card Stud Hi Lo strategy, but it is a mistake that happens in other Poker games as well.

Keep your focus on the bankroll; how much are you playing for, and how much is at stake? Chasing after that flush can win you the pot, but is it worth the amount you are going to risk? We are not even talking about the hands that your 7 Card Stud Hi Lo opponents might be getting because you are chasing that hand.

Your 7 Card Stud Hi Lo strategy should also avoid laying too much emphasis on high or bottom pairs. Those who are used to playing other Poker variants often make the mistake of assuming this is a nut hand.

Also, look at the way the other players are reacting based on the up cards. If your opponent is calling and raising and yet the up cards show nothing but middle cards, then he may be bluffing. In this case, you should not hesitate to re raise.

Your 7 Card Stud Hi Lo strategy should always be varied; do not rely or use the same tactics as you will be easily read. Even if you have less than stellar hands, being aggressive at times and it will pay off.

As an example, assume that your hole cards are 7d and 4h, and your up cards show an Ace and a 2. This is a weak hand, and ordinarily players will fold. But a good 7 Card Stud Hi Lo strategy indicates that you should bet. The reason is that in a tight Poker table, players will fold. Why? Because an A2 is traditionally the strongest pair in any hi lo game.

This is one instance wherein bluffing, or semi bluffing, can work to your advantage. Even if you do not have a made hand, getting other players to fold will increase your chances of actually getting one with the sixth card.

This 7 Card Stud Hi Lo strategy will still work even if you are called down or caught. The reason is that a player that is caught bluffing in a hi lo game will almost always be called down the next time around. This is good for you because the next time your up cards show an Ah3c and you are holding 2h and 4h, the others will not see it coming.

These examples only show the many ways that one can prevail in 7 Card Stud Hi Lo. By playing aggressively and in innovative ways, you will be able to pull the rug from under your opponents and scoop the pot.