How to Play: Cincinnati 8ob
Description:
Cincinnati High/Low Poker is an exciting poker variant that combines elements of traditional poker with unique community card gameplay and a high/low split pot. Here’s how to play:
Objective
The objective of Cincinnati High/Low Poker is to win the pot by having either the best high hand or the best low hand (or both) at the end of the game. The game involves multiple rounds of betting and the use of community cards.
Setup
- Standard 52-card deck.
- 2 to 8 players.
- Each player is dealt four hole cards face down.
Game Play
1. Initial Deal
Each player is dealt four hole cards face down. A round of betting follows, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
2. The Flop
The dealer deals five community cards face up in the center of the table. Another round of betting follows.
3. Showdown
After the final round of betting, players reveal their hole cards. The pot is split between the player with the best high hand and the player with the best low hand. A low hand must be 8-high or lower (Ace counts as low). If no low hand qualifies, the best high hand wins the entire pot.
Hand Rankings
Cincinnati High/Low Poker follows standard poker hand rankings for high hands:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
For low hands, the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5 (a “wheel”).
Strategy Tips
- Pay close attention to both the high and low potential of your hand.
- Bluff strategically, especially when you have strong hole cards.
- Consider the possible hands your opponents could have based on their betting patterns and the community cards.
- Use the flexibility of combining hole cards and community cards to your advantage.
- Remember that an Ace can be both high and low, making it very valuable.
Game Type: Varies
Split Game: Yes
Cards Dealt: 4
Max Players: 8
Best Possible Hand(s):
