How to Play: Super 8s
Description:
Super 8s Poker is an exciting variation of Seven-Card Stud Poker that splits the pot between the highest and lowest hands. This game adds an extra layer of strategy as players aim to win either the high hand, the low hand, or both.
Objective
The objective of Super 8s Poker is to win the pot by having the best high hand, the best low hand, or by splitting the pot if you have a hand that qualifies for both the high and low.
Game Setup
- Each player antes a small amount to form the initial pot.
- Each player is dealt 4 hole cards face down and one card face up (the door card). Each player must discard 2 of their hole cards before third street! Otherwise, their hand will be considered dead
Betting Rounds
Third Street
Each player is dealt one more card face up (third street). The player with the lowest face-up card must make a forced bet (bring-in). Players can then call, raise, or fold. Betting proceeds clockwise.
Fourth Street
Each player is dealt another face-up card (fourth street). A round of betting follows, starting with the player with the highest visible hand.
Fifth Street
Each player is dealt another face-up card (fifth street). Another round of betting follows.
Sixth Street
Each player is dealt another face-up card (sixth street). Another round of betting follows.
Seventh Street (River)
Each player is dealt a final card face down (seventh street or the river). A final round of betting follows.
The Showdown
After the final betting round, remaining 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. To qualify for the low hand, a player must have five unique cards all ranked eight or lower (the “eight or better” rule). If no low hand qualifies, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Hand Rankings
High Hand Rankings
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: The highest card in the hand if no other hand is made.
Low Hand Rankings
- Best Low Hand: A, 2, 3, 4, 5 (also known as the wheel).
- Other qualifying low hands include combinations like 6, 4, 3, 2, A and 8, 7, 6, 5, 4.
Tips for Playing
- Remember that you can aim to win both the high and low hands to scoop the entire pot.
- Pay attention to your opponents’ face-up cards to gauge their potential hands and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Manage your bankroll effectively, as the split-pot format can lead to larger bets and pots.
- Be mindful of the “eight or better” rule for the low hand, and plan your strategy to meet this requirement if you’re aiming for the low pot.
Game Type: Stud Style
Split Game: Yes
Cards Dealt: 4, discard 2
Max Players: 7