texas hold em hi-lo split

barker · #1 06-12-2003, 12:41 AM

does anyone have strategies for 2card hi-lo split. we have a 3-6 game in yakima wa no check raise and always wild.people will call 3 bets with 3-5? i think playing for high and A-2, A-3 maybe 2-3 on the button occasionally. would appreciate any comments or tips. thx

Phat Mack · #2 06-12-2003, 03:28 AM

There are many versions of this game. Do you have to use both cards from your hand? Is there a qualifier for low? Is the best low A2345?

Assuming that there is no qualifier, you can use as many cards from your hand as you choose, and the ace is low, the ace is a monster card in this game. I'd play any suited ace, any suited wheel cards, ace little, ace big, two wheel cards. In fact, if you play well after the flop, you can play any ace: it is that strong.

Strategy can be wierd. If I have the nuts (or a strong hand) in one direction, I'll try to keep as many in the pot as possible. If I have a hand that has something both ways, I may try to eliminate players. Three-quarter pots can occur when two players play the board in one direction (or the board plus,say, an ace), and a kicker takes the other direction. These three-quarter pots are real profit makers, but difficult to see at first. Look for them, and they'll become more apparent.

On the other hand, low boards can be difficult to read in any-any. Sometimes, if you see players waver, getting it heads up may guarantee half the pot.

I haven't played this game in years, but this is what I remember. If I can recall examples of trapping boards, I'll post them.

iblucky4u2 · #3 06-12-2003, 11:07 PM

I used to love the 3-6 HE Hi/lo with an 8 qualifier at Hollywood Park Casino. One of the wildest (and profitable) games I ever played. I used to play any 2 wheel cards for 1 bet, especially with an A. Once the flop comes, think nuts. You will get tons of callers and tons of $ in your stack. Do not be surprised when a live A or 2 bets and raises every chance. That can make a non duplicated 3-4 or such a winning hand. Expect lots of swings - so if you are faint of heart don't play this game.