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Pai Gow Poker Strategy
Introduction
The Pai Gow Poker The strategies listed here are crafted specifically to counteract the Foxwoods house way Their effectiveness may vary against different house rules.
Strategy Selection
Kindly select the strategy you wish to explore:
- Dealer Banker : The most effective tactic to use when the dealer is managing the bank
- Player Banker : The optimal approach to apply when you are the banker
- Single Strategy : The best method for when you are banking every alternate hand but prefer not to employ multiple strategies
Please indicate your preferred level of detail:
- Simple : Basic strategic advice that is easy to learn
- Intermediate : More comprehensive strategic advice
- Advanced : Elaborate guidance that approaches optimal strategies
The Simple Dealer-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 2.6892% while the dealer is banking. In comparison, the House Way carries a house edge of 2.7212%, whereas the optimal strategy holds a house edge of 2.5122%.
The Intermediate Dealer-Banker Strategy carries a house advantage of 2.5733% when the dealer is the banker. In contrast, the House Way has a house edge of 2.7212%, and the optimal strategy's edge is 2.5122%.
The Advanced Dealer-Banker Strategy shows a house edge of 2.5161% when the dealer manages the bank. By comparison, the House Way is at 2.7212%, and the optimal strategy registers a house edge of 2.5122%.
The Simple Player-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 0.2089% when you are the banker. For context, the House Way has a margin of 0.2540%, and the optimal strategy's house edge is 0.0442%.
The Intermediate Player-Banker Strategy shows a house edge of 0.0986% while you are banking. In contrast, the House Way holds a 0.2540% edge, while the optimal strategy has a mere 0.0442%.
The Advanced Player-Banker Strategy presents a house edge of 0.0476% when you are the banker. Comparatively, the House Way shows a 0.2540% edge and the optimal strategy shows just 0.0442%.
The Simple Single Strategy shows a house edge of 1.4512% when alternating as banker. In contrast, the House Way has a 1.4876% edge, while the optimal single strategy sits at 1.2893%.
The Intermediate Single Strategy has a house edge of 1.3461% while you take turns banking. The House Way is at 1.4876%, with the optimal single strategy at 1.2893%.
The Advanced Single Strategy has a house advantage of 1.2925% during alternating banking. For comparison, the House Way edge is 1.4876%, and the optimal single strategy is 1.2893%.
Definitions
- Straight/Flush refers to having one or multiple combinations of Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush
- Natural describes one or more cards that are not a Joker
- Ace designates either a Natural Ace or the Joker, unless stated otherwise
- T in a rank sequence means a Ten
- J in a rank sequence means a Jack
- Q in a rank sequence means a Queen
- K in a rank sequence means a King
- A in a ranking sequence denotes a Natural Ace or the Joker, unless specified otherwise
- W in a rank sequence means the Joker
Contents
Section 1 applies to hands incapable of forming a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush. Section 2 pertains to those that can. The rules in each section are determined by the various possible rank combinations for that section.
Section 1: No Straight/Flush Possible
The guidelines in this segment pertain solely to hands that are unable to create a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush.
Five of a Kind + One Pair
If possible, play a pair of Kings for the low hand; if not, opt for a pair of Aces instead.
Play a pair of Aces in the low hand.
Five of a Kind
Play a pair of Aces in the low hand.
Four of a Kind + Three of a Kind
You should split Four of a Kind if it ranks at least two levels above the Three of a Kind; otherwise, split the Three of a Kind.
Four of a Kind + One Pair
Play the pair in the low hand.
Play the pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
- Consider splitting Tens, Jacks, or Queens if you also have a pair of 2s or 3s.
- Split Kings with a pair of 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Split Aces with a pair of 2s, 3s, 4s, or 5s
Play the pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
- Split Tens with a pair of 2s
- Consider splitting Jacks or Queens when paired with 2s or 3s.
- Split Kings or Aces with a pair of 2s, 3s, or 4s
Play the pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
In the following exceptions, an A specifically signifies a Natural Ace.
- Split 9999+22 with T, W
- Split TTTT+22
- Split TTTT+33 with 2, 5, J, K, W
- Split TTTT+44 with W
- Split JJJJ+22
- Split JJJJ+33
- Split JJJJ+44 with W
- Split QQQQ+22
- Split QQQQ+33
- Split QQQQ+44 with 2, 3, W
- Split KKKK+22
- Split KKKK+33
- Split KKKK+44 with any kicker except J, Q, A
- Split KKKK+55 with W
- Split AAAA+22
- Split AAAA+33
- Split AAAA+44 with any kicker except K
- Split WAAA+22
- Split WAAA+33
- Split WAAA+44
- Split WAAA+55 with any kicker except K
Play the pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
In the following exceptions, an A specifically signifies a Natural Ace.
- Split 9999+22 with T, K, A, W
- Split 9999+33 with W
- Split TTTT+22
- Split TTTT+33 with any kicker except 9
- Split TTTT+44 with W
- Split JJJJ+22
- Split JJJJ+33
- Split JJJJ+44 with W
- Split QQQQ+22
- Split QQQQ+33
- Split QQQQ+44 with 2, 3, W
- Split KKKK+22
- Split KKKK+33
- Split KKKK+44 with any kicker except J, Q
- Split KKKK+55 with W
- Split AAAA+22
- Split AAAA+33
- Split AAAA+44
- Split WAAA+22
- Split WAAA+33
- Split WAAA+44
- Split WAAA+55
Play the pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
In the following exceptions, an A specifically signifies a Natural Ace.
- Split 9999+22 with T, W
- Split TTTT+22
- Split TTTT+33 with 2, W
- Split TTTT+44 with W
- Split JJJJ+22
- Split JJJJ+33 with any kicker except T
- Split JJJJ+44 with W
- Split QQQQ+22
- Split QQQQ+33
- Split QQQQ+44 with 3, W
- Split KKKK+22
- Split KKKK+33
- Split KKKK+44 with any kicker except T, J, Q, A
- Split AAAA+22
- Split AAAA+33
- Split AAAA+44 with any kicker except 5, T, J, Q, K
- Split WAAA+22
- Split WAAA+33
- Split WAAA+44
- Split WAAA+55 with any kicker except J, Q, K
Four of a Kind
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Keep 6s or 7s combined with Queen-high or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep 8s or 9s together if paired with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
- Hold 10s or Jacks together when you have Ace-high; otherwise, split them.
- Always split Queens, Kings, or Aces
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Stay combined with 6s and Queen-high or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Maintain 7s or 8s with King-high or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep 9s, 10s, or Jacks together with Ace-high; otherwise, they should be split.
- Always split Queens, Kings, or Aces
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Keep 6s or 7s combined with Queen-high or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep 8s or 9s together if paired with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
- Hold 10s, Jacks, or Queens together with Ace-high; otherwise, separate.
- Always split Kings or Aces
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Stay combined with 6s and Queen-high or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep 7s combined with Queen-Ten or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Maintain 8s with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
- Keep 9s paired with King-Jack or better; otherwise, split them.
- Hold 10s together with Ace-high; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep Jacks together with Ace-Five or better; otherwise, split them.
- Maintain Queens with Ace-Ten or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen; otherwise, they should be split.
- Always split Aces
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Stay combined with 6s and Queen-high or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Hold 7s with Queen-Jack or better; otherwise, split them.
- Maintain 8s with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
- Maintain 9s with King-Queen or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Hold 10s together with Ace-high; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep Jacks together with Ace-Six or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Hold Queens with Ace-Jack or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen; otherwise, they should be split.
- Always split Aces
- Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
- Maintain a pair of 5s together with Ten-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- Keep 6s together with Jack-Ten or better; otherwise, split them.
- Keep 7s combined with Queen-Ten or higher; otherwise, they should be split.
- Maintain 8s with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
- Keep 9s paired with King-Jack or better; otherwise, split them.
- Maintain 10s with King-Queen or better; otherwise, split them.
- Keep Jacks together with Ace-high; otherwise, they should be split.
- Maintain Queens with Ace-Ten or better; otherwise, they should be split.
- Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen; otherwise, they should be split.
- Always split Aces
Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
Consider splitting 5s based on the following kicker combinations:
- T98, T97, T96, T87, T86, T76, 987, 986, 984, 983, 982, 976, 974, 973, 972, 964, 963, 962, 876, 874, 873, 872, 864, 863, 862, 764, 763, 762
Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better; otherwise, split, unless you have these kicker combinations:
- JT5, JT4, JT3, JT2, J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together
Hold 7s together with Queen-Jack or better; otherwise, separate, unless you have:
- QT6, QT5, QT4, QT3, QT2, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s combined
Maintain 8s with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
Keep 9s together with King-Queen or better; otherwise, separate unless for:
- KJ8, KJ7, KJ6, KJ5, KJ4, KJ3, KJ2, K87 — maintain the 9s combined
Hold 10s together with Ace-high; otherwise, split unless for:
- KQ9, KQ8, KQ7, KQ3, KQ2 — keep the 10s together
Retain Jacks together with Natural Ace-high or Joker-Eight or better; otherwise, separate unless for:
- W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — deploy Joker-Jack in low hand
Keep Queens together with Natural Ace-Ten or higher, or Joker-Jack or higher; otherwise, split.
Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen; otherwise, they should be split.
Always split Aces
Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
Consider splitting 5s based on the following kicker combinations:
- T98, T97, T96, T87, T86, T76, 987, 986, 984, 983, 982, 976, 974, 973, 972, 964, 963, 962, 876, 874, 873, 872, 864, 863, 862, 764, 763, 762
Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better; otherwise, split, unless you have these kicker combinations:
- J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together
Hold 7s together with Queen-Jack or better; otherwise, separate, unless you have:
- QT6, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s together
- QJT — split the 7s
Maintain 8s with King-high or better; otherwise, split them.
Keep 9s together with King-Queen or better; otherwise, separate unless for:
- KJ8, KJ7, KJ6, KJ3, KJ2 — keep the 9s together
Hold 10s together with Ace-high; otherwise, they should be split.
Hold Jacks with Natural Ace-high or Joker-Nine or better; otherwise, split, unless for:
- W87, W86, W85, W84, W83, W82, W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — utilize Joker-Jack for the low hand.
Hold Queens with Ace-Jack or better; otherwise, they should be split.
Maintain Kings alongside Natural Ace-Queen; if not, divide them.
Always split Aces
Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
Consider splitting 5s based on the following kicker combinations:
- T98, T97, T96, T87, T86, T76, 987, 986, 976, 974, 973, 972, 964, 963, 962, 876, 874, 873, 872, 864, 863, 862, 764, 763, 762
Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better; otherwise, split, unless you have these kicker combinations:
- JT5, JT4, JT3, JT2, J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together
Hold 7s together with Queen-Jack or better; otherwise, separate, unless you have:
- QT6, QT5, QT4, QT3, QT2, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s combined
Keep the 8s paired with a King-high hand or stronger; otherwise, split them, except in these specific scenarios:
- QJ7 — keep the 8s together
Retain the 9s if they accompany a King-Eight hand or superior; otherwise, split them, unless you have these specific kicker pairings:
- KT7, KT6, KT5, KT4, KT3, KT2 — split the 9s
Maintain 10s with King-Queen or better; otherwise, split them.
Retain Jacks together with Natural Ace-high or Joker-Eight or better; otherwise, separate unless for:
- W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — deploy Joker-Jack in low hand
Hold on to the Queens if paired with an Ace-Ten or stronger; split them otherwise, excluding these specific kicker pairings:
- WT6, WT5, WT4 — split the Queens
Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen; otherwise, they should be split.
Always split Aces
Three of a Kind + Three of a Kind
In the low hand, always play a pair from the higher rank set.
Three of a Kind + Two Pair
Play the higher pair in the low hand.
Play the higher pair in the low hand.
Exceptions
- AAA+33+22: play AA in the low hand
- WAA+44+22: play AA in the low hand
- WAA+44+33: play AA in the low hand
Three of a Kind + One Pair
Play the pair in the low hand.
The upcoming table illustrates the minimum required low hand to effectively use a Full House in the high hand. To make your decision, check the cell where Three of a Kind meets the Pair. If it shows \"SP\" or you can’t create the required minimum low hand, divide the Full House, placing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, play the Full House.
Full House Strategy
Three of
a KindPair 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA 222 - AJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 333 AJ - AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 444 AJ AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 555 AQ AQ AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 666 AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 777 AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 888 AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP 999 AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP TTT AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP QQQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP
SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP The upcoming table illustrates the minimum required low hand to effectively use a Full House in the high hand. To make your decision, check the cell where Three of a Kind meets the Pair. If it shows \"SP\" or you can’t create the required minimum low hand, divide the Full House, placing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, play the Full House.
QQQ
AK
AKAK 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP SP 222 SP SP - SP SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP 333 SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP 444 SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - 555 SP SP SP QQQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP 666 SP - SP SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP 777 SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP 888 SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK 999 Ace-King SP Split Full House Strategy Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK AA - AJ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ - AQ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK SP SP SP
- SP SP SP SP SP SP SP The upcoming table illustrates the minimum required low hand to effectively use a Full House in the high hand. To make your decision, check the cell where Three of a Kind meets the Pair. If it shows \"SP\" or you can’t create the required minimum low hand, divide the Full House, placing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, play the Full House.
-
AK
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP SP 222 SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP 333 SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP 444 SP SP SP SP AQ AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP 555 SP SP SP SP - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 666 SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP 777 SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP 888 SP SP SP SP AQ AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP 999 SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP TTT AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP QQQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP KKK AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
- SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP The subsequent tables detail the necessary minimum low hand to utilize a Full House in the high hand. For assessments without the Joker as a kicker, reference the first table; for those with the Joker, refer to the second. Locate the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair in the table. If it contains \"SP\" or you can't meet the minimum low hand requirement, separate the Full House by utilizing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, proceed with the Full House.
Full House Strategy — Requirement when neither Kicker is the Joker.
SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP - 222 Legend AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Full House Strategy Three of a Kind Pair 333 TT JJ QQ KK AA - AJ AQ AQ AK AK AK SP 444 SP SP SP SP SP AJ - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP 555 SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ - AK AK AK SP SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ AK - AK AK SP SP 777 SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ AK AK - SP SP SP 888 SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ AK AK SP - SP SP 999 SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP TTT AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP QQQ AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP KKK AJ AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP Full House Strategy — Requirement when the Joker serves as a Kicker.
SP
SP- 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP AAA SP SP 222 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend 333 AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Pair TT 444 JJ QQ KK AA - AJ AQ AQ AK AK SP SP 555 SP SP SP SP SP AJ - AQ AK AK AK SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ - AK AK SP 777 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ AK - AK 888 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ AK AK 999 - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP TTT AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AQ AK
AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - The subsequent tables detail the necessary minimum low hand to utilize a Full House in the high hand. For assessments without the Joker as a kicker, reference the first table; for those with the Joker, refer to the second. Locate the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair in the table. If it contains \"SP\" or you can't meet the minimum low hand requirement, separate the Full House by utilizing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, proceed with the Full House.
Full House Strategy — Requirement when neither Kicker is the Joker.
SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 QQQ AK AK AK SP 222 SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP KKK AQ AQ SP 333 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP 444 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of 555 a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP AQ - SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP 777 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP 888 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind 999 Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ - SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK Full House Strategy — Requirement when the Joker serves as a Kicker.
-
AKSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP 222 SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP 333 SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP 444 SP SP SP AK AK SP SP AK AK SP SP SP 555 SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK - AK SP SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP 777 SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP 888 SP SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP AK AK 999 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP
SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP The subsequent tables detail the necessary minimum low hand to utilize a Full House in the high hand. For assessments without the Joker as a kicker, reference the first table; for those with the Joker, refer to the second. Locate the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair in the table. If it contains \"SP\" or you can't meet the minimum low hand requirement, separate the Full House by utilizing the pair in the low hand; otherwise, proceed with the Full House.
Full House Strategy — Requirement when neither Kicker is the Joker.
SP
SP- 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP TTT 222 AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP JJJ 333 AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP AK AK 444 SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP 555 SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP TTT AK AK SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP JJJ AK AK SP 777 SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP 888 SP - SP SP SP SP SP AK AK SP SP SP SP 999 SP - SP SP SP SP TTT AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP JJJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP QQQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP KKK AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP Full House Strategy — Requirement when the Joker serves as a Kicker.
QQQ
AKAK 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP 222 SP SP SP SP - SP KKK AQ SP SP SP SP 333 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ 444 Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK 555 SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP QQQ AK AK SP 666 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP KKK AQ SP 777 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend 888 AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Pair TT 999 JJ QQ KK AA - AJ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ - AQ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP
SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP - SP
In the low hand, play the two highest kickers, unless you have three Aces, in which case use an Ace and the highest kicker available.
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
SP
- SP
- Split Kings when the low hand ranks lower than a Jack-Ten.
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
SP
- SP
- Always opt to split Kings unless encountered with the following low hands:
- SP
- SP
- AQ
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
AK
- SP
- Always opt to split Kings unless encountered with the following low hands:
- SP
- SP
- SP
- -
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
SP
- SP
- SP
- Jack-Nine — separate them unless the remaining two cards are 7-5, 7-4, 6-5, 6-4, 6-3, 5-4, 5-3, 5-2, or 4-3.
- SP
- SP
- Joker-Eight — do not separate unless the other two cards form either a 4-2 or a 3-2.
- SP
AK
AK
SP
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- If you hold 7 points or fewer: utilize the Two Pair with a Queen-high or better; otherwise, split the pairs.
- For 8 to 11 points: prefer the Two Pair with a King-high or better; otherwise, split the pairs.
- With 12 to 16 points: select the Two Pair with an Ace-high; if not possible, proceed by splitting the pairs.
- SP
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For 6 points or fewer: utilize the Two Pair with a Queen-high or superior, or else split them.
- If you possess 7 to 11 points: opt for the Two Pair with a King-high or better; otherwise, separate them.
- For 12 to 16 points: use the Two Pair holding an Ace-high, or divide the pairs.
- SP
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For 7 points or fewer: play the Two Pair with a Queen-high or above, else split the pairs.
- Between 8 to 11 points: utilize the Two Pair boasting a King-high or more, otherwise split them.
- With 12 to 17 points, opt for the Two Pair with an Ace-high; if you can't, split the pairs.
- SP
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For 6 points or less: choose the Two Pair with a Queen-high or better, or else divide the pairs.
- If you have 7 points: go with the Two Pair featuring Queen-Ten or better, otherwise, split the pairs.
- With 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise, separate them.
- For 9 or 10 points, favor the Two Pair containing a King-high or better; if not, split the pairs.
- With 12 or 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or more, or else separate them.
- At 14 points: choose the Two Pair featuring an Ace-high, or split the pairs instead.
- For 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Nine or higher; otherwise, divide them.
- At 16 points: opt for the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better; if not possible, separate the pairs.
- For 17 or 18 points: utilize the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or more, otherwise split the pairs.
- With 19 or 20 points, select the Two Pair featuring Ace-King, or else divide the pairs.
- SP
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For 6 points or less: choose the Two Pair with a Queen-high or better, or else divide the pairs.
- For 7 points, prefer the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or higher; if not, split them.
- Between 8 to 10 points, utilize the Two Pair with a King-high or better; otherwise, split the pairs.
- For 11 points: prefer the Two Pair with King-Jack or higher, otherwise separate them.
- With 12 points: select the Two Pair featuring King-Queen or more; if not possible, split the pairs.
- For 13 to 15 points, play the Two Pair with an Ace-high, or split the pairs instead.
- At 16 points: opt for the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better; if not possible, separate the pairs.
- At 17 points: utilize the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better; otherwise, split them.
- For 18 or 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King or more, otherwise separate the pairs.
- -
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For 5 points: opt for the Two Pair including Jack-Ten or higher; if not, split them.
- With 6 points: use the Two Pair featuring Queen-high or more; otherwise, split the pairs.
- If you have 7 points: go with the Two Pair featuring Queen-Ten or better, otherwise, split the pairs.
- With 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise, separate them.
- For 9 or 10 points, favor the Two Pair containing a King-high or better; if not, split the pairs.
- At 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise separate them.
- For 12 points: utilize the Two Pair with King-Jack or more; if not feasible, split.
- With 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or higher; otherwise, divide the pairs.
- At 14 points: choose the Two Pair featuring an Ace-high, or split the pairs instead.
- For 15 points: opt for the Two Pair including Ace-Nine, split the pairs if not possible.
- At 16 or 17 points: choose the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better; otherwise, split the pairs.
- For 18 or 19 points: select the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or more; if not, split them.
- At 20 or 21 points: choose the Two Pair including Ace-King; otherwise, divide the pairs.
- SP
Check the cell where the two pairs intersect. If you can create the defined low hand or something better, then play that. If it displays \"SP\" or if you can’t achieve the required low hand, utilize the lower pair in the low hand. For those situations with the Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, consult the first.
SP
SP SP SP TTT AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP QQQ AK
AK
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP 33 SP SP - SP SP KKK AQ SP SP SP SP SP 44 SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP 55 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind 66 Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AK AK SP SP SP 77 SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ - AK SP SP SP 88 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP 99 AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AQ AK AK SP SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP SP SP 33 SP AQ - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 44 SP AQ AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 55 SP AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 66 SP AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP 77 SP AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP 88 SP AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP 99 SP AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP TTT AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP JJJ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP QQQ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP KKK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Pair Check the cell where the two pairs intersect. If you can create the defined low hand or something better, then play that. If it displays \"SP\" or if you can’t achieve the required low hand, utilize the lower pair in the low hand. For those situations with the Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, consult the first.
TT
JJ QQ KK AA - AT AJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP AT - AQ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP
SP
AJAQ 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 - AQ AK AK 33 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ AK - AK 44 AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AJ AQ AK AK 55 - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ AK 66 AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ 77 AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ 88 AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP 99 TTT AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP JJJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP QQQ AJ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP KKK AJ AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Three of a Kind Pair TT JJ QQ KK - AJ
AQAK 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 AK AK SP SP 33 SP SP SP SP AQ - AQ AK AK SP SP SP 44 SP SP SP SP AQ AQ - AK AK SP SP SP 55 SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - AK SP SP SP 66 SP SP SP AQ AK AK AK - SP SP SP SP 77 SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP 88 SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ - AK AK SP SP 99 SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Check the cell where the two pairs intersect. If you can create the defined low hand or something better, then play that. If it displays \"SP\" or if you can’t achieve the required low hand, utilize the lower pair in the low hand. For those situations with the Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, consult the first.
AQ
AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP TTT AK AK AK
SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP SP - SP 33 SP SP JJJ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP 44 - SP SP QQQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP 55 SP SP - SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP 66 SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AT Ace-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ 77 Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Exceptions Always split Aces Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high 88 Ace-Eight or better Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high Joker-Six QQQ AK AK AK SP SP 99 SP SP SP SP SP - SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AT Ace-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split Three of a Kind Exceptions Always split Aces Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high Ace-Eight or better Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high Joker-Six QQQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP KKK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - Legend AT Ace-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better
AKAce-King 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 SP Split Three of a Kind Exceptions 33 Always split Aces Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high Ace-Eight or better Exceptions Always split Aces Jack-Ten Queen-high Joker-Six Ace-Seven or better 44 Exceptions Always split Aces Always split Kings except as follows: Jack-Ten — do not split Queen-high — do not split Ace-Nine or better — do not split Three Pair Play the highest pair in the low hand. Two Pair 17 or more points: split the pairs 17 or more points: split the pairs 18 or more points: split the pairs 55 21 or more points: split the pairs 20 or more points: split the pairs 22 or more points: split the pairs Legend Q Queen-high or better QT Queen-Ten or better QJ Queen-Jack or better K King-high or better 66 KT King-Ten or better KJ King-Jack or better KQ King-Queen or better A Ace-high A4 Ace-Four or better A8 Ace-Eight or better 77 A9 Ace-Nine or better AT Ace-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ Ace-Queen or better AK Ace-King SP Split 88 Two Pair Strategy — No Joker High Pair Low Pair TT JJ QQ KK Q - - - 99 - - - - - - - - - Q QT - - - - - - - - - - - QT QJ K - - - - - - - - - - QJ K K KT - - - High Pair Low Pair TT JJ QQ KK Q - - - - - - - - - - - - Q QT - - - - - - - - - - - QT QJ K
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
-
When you hold a pair of Aces, examine the three highest kickers. If they align with any of the noted combinations below, use the first and third highest kickers for the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- -
- 976, 975, 965
- 876, 875, 865
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
-
When you hold a pair of Aces, examine the three highest kickers. If they align with any of the noted combinations below, use the first and third highest kickers for the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- -
- 986, 985, 984, 976, 975, 974, 965
- 876, 875, 874, 865
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
QJ
With a pair of Natural Aces, review the three top kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, employ the first and third highest kickers in the low hand:
- K
- K
- KT
- 975, 965
- 876, 875, 865
For a Joker-Ace pair, analyze the three highest kickers. If they fit any specified combinations, play the first and third highest kickers in the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- High
- 976
- 876
Utilize the top two kickers present in the low hand.
Pair
With a pair of Natural Aces, review the three top kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, employ the first and third highest kickers in the low hand:
- Low Pair
- TT
- JJ
- 986, 985, 984, 976, 975, 974, 965
- 876, 875, 874, 865
For a Joker-Ace pair, analyze the three highest kickers. If they fit any specified combinations, play the first and third highest kickers in the low hand:
- KK
- Q
- -
- -
- 986, 976
- 876
-
In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
-
If the four highest cards fall into the ranges below, employ the second and fourth highest cards from the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- -
In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
-
If the four highest cards fall into the ranges below, employ the second and fourth highest cards from the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- Q
In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
QT
If the four highest cards fall into the ranges below, employ the second and fourth highest cards from the low hand:
- -
- -
- -
- -
In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
-
Review the four top-ranking cards. If they match what's shown in the subsequent table, implement the related rule. An A in this table denotes a Natural Ace specifically.
-
- - - --QTQJK - ----- - ---QJK K KT---- - ---KK KT KJKQ--- - ----K KT KQKQAA- - ----KJ KQ KQAAAA4 - ----TT KQ AAAAA9 AJ AQ---- - KKKTKJKQ - ----- - -KKTKQKQ A A---- - -KJKQKQA A AA4--- - -TTKQAA A AA9AJAQ- - ---KK KT KJKQ--- - ----K KT KQKQAA- - ----KJ KQ KQAAAA4 - ----TT KQ AAAAA9 AJ AQ---- JJ AAA8ATAQ AQ AKAKAK-- - QQA9ATAJAK AK AKSPSPSPSP - -KKAQAQSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSP-AASP SP SPSPSPSP- - --JJAA A8 ATAQAQAKAK AK ---QQA9 AT AJAKAKAKSP SP SPSP--KK AQ AQSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPSP - AASPSPSPSP SP SP---- JJ AAA8ATAQ AQ AKAKAK-- - QQA9ATAJAK AK AKSPSPSPSP - -KKAQAQSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSP-AASP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPTwo Pair Strategy — Joker Present High PairLow PairTTJJQQ KK A---- - ----- - -AA-- - ----- - --AAA - ----- - ---SPSP SP SPSPSPTwo Pair Strategy — Joker PresentHigh Pair Low PairTTJJQQKK A ----- - ----- - AA--- - ----- - -AAA- - ----- - --SPSPSP SP SPSPTwo Pair Strategy — Joker PresentHighPair In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
Low Pair
Review the four top-ranking cards. If they match what's shown in the subsequent table, implement the related rule. An A in this table denotes a Natural Ace specifically.
TT
JJ QQ KK A---- - ----- - -AA-- - ----- - --AAA - ----- - ---AA A A---- - ---AA A AA--- - ---AA A AAA-- - ---AA A AAAA- - ----TT A AAAA- - ----- - AAAAA - ----- - AAAAA A ----- - AAAAA A A---- - -TTAAA A A---- - ---AA A AA--- - ---AA A AAA-- - ---AA A AAAA- - ----TT A AAAAA8 AJ AQ---- JJ AAAA9AT AQ AQAKAK-- - QQA9ATAJAK AK AKAKSPSPSP - -KKAJAQAQ SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SP-AASPSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPLegendQQueen-high or better QJ Queen-Jack or betterKKing-high or betterKTKing-Ten or better KJ King-Jack or betterKQKing-Queen or betterAAce-high A8 Ace-Eight or betterA9Ace-Nine or betterATAce-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or betterAQAce-Queen or betterAKAce-King SP SplitTwo Pair Strategy — No JokerHighPairLow Pair TT JJQQKKAASP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPLegendQ Queen-high or better QJQueen-Jack or betterKKing-high or betterKT King-Ten or better KJKing-Jack or betterKQKing-Queen or betterA Ace-high A8Ace-Eight or betterA9Ace-Nine or betterAT Ace-Ten or better AJAce-Jack or betterAQAce-Queen or betterAK Ace-King SPSplitTwo Pair Strategy — No JokerHighPair Low Pair TTJJQQKKAA SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPLegend Q Queen-high or betterQJQueen-Jack or betterKKing-high or better KT King-Ten or betterKJKing-Jack or betterKQKing-Queen or better A Ace-highA8Ace-Eight or betterA9Ace-Nine or better AT Ace-Ten or betterAJAce-Jack or betterAQAce-Queen or better AK Ace-KingSPSplitTwo Pair Strategy — No JokerHigh Pair Low PairTTJJQQKK Q ----- - ----- Q QJ---- - ----- - QJKK-- - ----- - -KKKKT - ----- - --KKQ - ----- - ----Q QJ ----- - ----- QJ KK--- - ----- - KKKKT- - ----- - -KKQ- - ----- - ---QQJ - ----- - ----QJ K K---- - ----- K KKKT-- - ----- - KKKTKQKQ - ----- - KKJKQAA A ----- - KJKQAAA A A---- - TTKQAAA A AJAQAQ-- - -JJAAA8 AT AQAKAKAKSP - --QQA9AJ AK AKSPSPSPSP SP SP--KKAQ SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSP- AA SPSPSPSPSP In the low hand, use the second and third highest cards available.
SP
Review the four top-ranking cards. If they match what's shown in the subsequent table, implement the related rule. An A in this table denotes a Natural Ace specifically.
SP
SP SP SP SPSPTwo Pair Strategy — Joker PresentA8AT AQ AKAKAKSP- - -QQA9AJAK AK SPSPSPSPSP SP --KKAQSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSP-AA SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPSP Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present A8ATAQAKAK AK SP---QQ A9 AJAKAKSPSP SP SPSPSP-- KK AQSPSPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP -AASPSPSP SP SPSPSPSPSP SP SPSPTwo Pair Strategy — Joker PresentHighPair Low Pair TTJJQQKKA - ----- - ----- - AA--- - ----- - --AAA - ----- - ---AA A A---High Pair Low PairTTJJQQKK A ----- - ----- - -AA-- - ----- - ---AA A ----- - ----A A AA--- High PairLow PairTTJJQQ KK A---- - ----- - --AA- - ----- - ----A A A---- - ----- A AAA-- - ----- A AAAA- - ----- A AAAAA - ----- A AAAAA A -----
TT
The guidelines in this section exclusively apply to hands capable of forming one or more of the following types: Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, and/or Royal Flush. The term \"Straight/Flush\" encompasses any of these four hand varieties.
A
- At Foxwoods, a sequence of A2345 is recognized as the lowest form of a Straight or Straight Flush.
- In a wild Flush scenario, the Joker takes on the highest rank missing from the initial four natural cards.
A
Select the most substantial Straight/Flush, ensuring that it results in a pair of Aces remaining in the low hand.
A
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
A
- When holding 7s full of Aces, opt for the Aces in the low hand if the remaining two cards stand at Ten-Six or lower.
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
A
- For 7s round out with Aces, utilize the Aces in the low hand if the remaining two cards are Six-Five or lower.
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
A9
- Keep the Aces in the low hand when having 7s full of Aces, provided the other two cards are Queen-Six or lower.
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
AJ
If you possess 7s full of Aces, retain the Aces in the low hand under the following combinations:
- AQ
- 96, 95, 94, 93, 92
- 85, 84
- 65, 64, 63, 62
- 54, 53, 52
- 43, 42
- 32
Play the Straight/Flush only if the resulting low hand yields a pair of 7s or higher; otherwise, opt for a Three of a Kind in the high hand, placing the pair within the low hand.
-
If you possess 7s full of Aces, retain the Aces in the low hand under the following combinations:
- -
- -
- -
- 96, 95, 94, 93, 92
- 86, 85, 84, 83, 82
- 65, 64, 63, 62
- 54, 53, 52
- 43, 42
- 32
JJ
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
A
- If the resultant low hand ranks Ace-Jack or below, and the leading high hand features an Ace-high low hand, then play the superior high hand instead.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
A
- Whenever your best low hand is Ace-Queen or weaker, and your highest high hand is an Ace-high low hand, you should opt for the highest high hand instead.
A
AT
AQ
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- When you have 6 points or fewer, it’s advisable to play a Two Pair that has a Queen-high or stronger; if not, just go for your highest hand available.
- With points ranging from 7 to 11, aim to play a Two Pair showcasing at least a King-high; otherwise, divide your pairs.
- For a hand valued between 12 and 17 points, utilize a Two Pair that has an Ace-high; if that’s not possible, split the pairs instead.
- AQ
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- When you have 6 points or fewer, it’s advisable to play a Two Pair that has a Queen-high or stronger; if not, just go for your highest hand available.
- With points ranging from 7 to 11, aim to play a Two Pair showcasing at least a King-high; otherwise, divide your pairs.
- With 12 to 16 points: select the Two Pair with an Ace-high; if not possible, proceed by splitting the pairs.
- AK
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- When you have 6 points or fewer, it’s advisable to play a Two Pair that has a Queen-high or stronger; if not, just go for your highest hand available.
- In the range of 7 to 10 points, prioritize playing a Two Pair with at least a King-high; if that isn't achievable, then consider splitting the pairs.
- For a hand valued between 12 and 17 points, utilize a Two Pair that has an Ace-high; if that’s not possible, split the pairs instead.
- AK
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- When you have 6 points or fewer, it’s advisable to play a Two Pair that has a Queen-high or stronger; if not, just go for your highest hand available.
- If you have 7 points: go with the Two Pair featuring Queen-Ten or better, otherwise, split the pairs.
- With 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise, separate them.
- For 9 or 10 points, favor the Two Pair containing a King-high or better; if not, split the pairs.
- At 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise separate them.
- With 12 or 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or more, or else separate them.
- If you hold either 14 or 15 points, you should opt for a Two Pair that features an Ace-high; otherwise, it's best to split the pairs.
- When you have 16 points, you should aim to play a Two Pair that is Ace-Ten or better; if not, then split the pairs.
- At 17 points, play a Two Pair with Ace-Jack or higher; if not, consider splitting the pairs.
- For 18 or 19 points: select the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or more; if not, split them.
- When you have exactly 20 points, focus on playing a Two Pair with Ace-King; otherwise, you may need to split the pairs.
- AK
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- When you have 6 points or fewer, it’s advisable to play a Two Pair that has a Queen-high or stronger; if not, just go for your highest hand available.
- For 7 points, prefer the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or higher; if not, split them.
- Between 8 to 10 points, utilize the Two Pair with a King-high or better; otherwise, split the pairs.
- For 11 points: prefer the Two Pair with King-Jack or higher, otherwise separate them.
- With 12 points: select the Two Pair featuring King-Queen or more; if not possible, split the pairs.
- For 13 to 15 points, play the Two Pair with an Ace-high, or split the pairs instead.
- When you have 16 points, you should aim to play a Two Pair that is Ace-Ten or better; if not, then split the pairs.
- At 17 points, play a Two Pair with Ace-Jack or higher; if not, consider splitting the pairs.
- With 18 points, you should choose a Two Pair that contains at least Ace-Queen; if that doesn’t work out, then split the pairs.
- If you possess 19 points, play a Two Pair with Ace-King; if that's not an option, split the pairs.
- -
Identify the best low hand achievable by using both pairs in the high hand. Next, calculate the total points of the two pairs (for instance, Queens combined with 3s give you a total of 12 + 3 = 15). Then, follow these criteria:
- For a count of 5 points, consider playing a Two Pair with Jack-Ten or stronger; if that’s unavailable, just go with your top high hand.
- At 6 points, your best option is to play a Two Pair that is Queen-high or better; if not feasible, play your highest hand.
- If you have 7 points: go with the Two Pair featuring Queen-Ten or better, otherwise, split the pairs.
- With 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise, separate them.
- For 9 or 10 points, favor the Two Pair containing a King-high or better; if not, split the pairs.
- At 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise separate them.
- For 12 points: utilize the Two Pair with King-Jack or more; if not feasible, split.
- With 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or higher; otherwise, divide the pairs.
- If you hold either 14 or 15 points, you should opt for a Two Pair that features an Ace-high; otherwise, it's best to split the pairs.
- Holding 16 points means you should aim for a Two Pair with Ace-Eight or higher; if that fails, split the pairs.
- At 17 points, play a Two Pair with Ace-Jack or higher; if not, consider splitting the pairs.
- For 18 or 19 points: select the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or more; if not, split them.
- At 20 or 21 points: choose the Two Pair including Ace-King; otherwise, divide the pairs.
- -
Refer to the table at the intersection of the two pairs you have. If you're able to achieve the designated low hand or a better one, go for it. If the table shows \"SP\" or you cannot form the specified low hand, then play the lower pair as your low hand. A superscript number in any cell denotes an applicable exception. If you hold a Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, stick with the first table.
-
QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - - KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - AA SP SP SP
SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 - - - - 33 JJ 1 A A A AT AQ AQ AK AK AK - - 44 - 2 QQ 2 A9 AT AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP 55 - 3 - 3 KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP 66 SP 3 SP 3 SP - AA SP SP SP SP SP SP - 77 - - - JJ A A A AT AQ AQ AK AK 88 AK - - - QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK SP SP 99 SP SP SP - - KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Legend JT Jack-Ten or better Q Queen-high or better QT Queen-Ten or better QJ Queen-Jack or better K King-high or better K9 King-Nine or better KT King-Ten or better KJ King-Jack or better KQ King-Queen or better A Ace-high A5 Ace-Five or better A7 Ace-Seven or better A8 Ace-Eight or better A9 Ace-Nine or better AT Ace-Ten or better AJ Ace-Jack or better AQ 2 Ace-Queen or better 2 AK 3 Ace-King 3 SP Split Two Pair Strategy — No Joker High Pair Low Pair TT JJ", "QQ", "KK", "JT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "Q", "QT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QT", "QJ", "K", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QJ", "K", "K", "K9", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "- 3 JJ", "QQ", "KK", "JT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "Q", "QT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QT", "QJ", "K", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QJ", "K", "K", "K9", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "- JJ", "QQ", "KK", "JT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "Q", "QT", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QT", "QJ", "K", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "QJ", "K", "K", "K9", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-", "-
-K 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 K KT KJ KQ 33 - - - - - - - K KT KJ KQ KQ 44 A - - - - - - KT KJ KQ KQ A 55 A A5 - - - - - - TT KQ KQ A 66 A A A9 AJ AQ - - - - - K K 77 KT KJ KQ - - - - - - - K KT 88 KJ KQ KQ A - - - - - - KT KJ 99 KQ KQ A A A5 - - - - - - TT KQ KQ A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - - - K K KT KJ KQ - - - - - - - K KT KJ KQ KQ A - - - - - - KT KJ KQ KQ A A A5 - - - - - - TT KQ KQ A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - - JJ A A
1 Opt for your highest hand when splitting the pairs isn't the best choice.
2 If your highest hand qualifies as a Flush or higher, prioritize that instead of splitting the pairs.
3 In a scenario where you have a Straight Flush or a better high hand, take that option instead of splitting the pairs.Refer to the table at the intersection of the two pairs you have. If you're able to achieve the designated low hand or a better one, go for it. If the table shows \"SP\" or you cannot form the specified low hand, then play the lower pair as your low hand. A superscript number in any cell denotes an applicable exception. If you hold a Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, stick with the first table.
A8
AT AT AQ AQ AK AK - - - QQ A9 AT AJ AJ AK AK AK SP SP SP - - KK AJ AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP
SP
SPSP 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 - AA SP SP 33 SP 1 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present High 44 Pair 2 Low Pair 2 TT JJ QQ KK A - - - - - 55 - 2 - 3 - - - - - A A - - - 66 - 3 - 3 - - - - - - A A A - 77 - - - - - - - - - A A A 88 A SP SP Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present High Pair Low Pair TT JJ QQ KK A 99 - - - - - - - - - - - - A A - - - - - - - - - - - A A A - - - - - - - - - - A A A A SP SP Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present High Pair Low Pair TT JJ QQ KK A - - - - - - - - - - - - A 2 A 2 - 3 - 3 - - - - - - - - - A
AA 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 - - - - 33 - - - - - - A A A A - - 44 - - - - - - A A A A A - 55 - - - - - - A A A A A A 66 - - - - - - A A A A A A 77 A - - - - - TT A A A A A 88 A8 AJ AJ - - - - JJ A A A7 A9 99 AT AQ AQ AQ AK - - - QQ A8 AT AJ AJ AK AK AK AK SP SP - - KK AJ AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP One Pair Exception K76 Q76, Q75 J76, J75, J65 T76, T75, T65 Exception K87, K86, K85, K76, K75 Q87, Q86, Q85, Q84, Q76, Q75, Q74 J87, J86, J85, J84, J76, J75, J74, J65 T87, T86, T85, T84, T76, T75, T74, T65 Exceptions Q76, Q75 J76, J75, J65 T76, T75, T65 K76 Q76 J76 T76 Exceptions K86, K85, K76, K75 Q86, Q85, Q84, Q76, Q75, Q74 J86, J85, J84, J76, J75, J74, J65 T86, T85, T84, T76, T75, T74, T65 K87, K86, K76 Q87, Q86, Q76 J87, J86, J76 T87, T86, T76 No Pair Exception Highest card: Joker or Ace
1 Opt for your highest hand when splitting the pairs isn't the best choice.
2 If your highest hand qualifies as a Flush or higher, prioritize that instead of splitting the pairs.
3 In a scenario where you have a Straight Flush or a better high hand, take that option instead of splitting the pairs.Refer to the table at the intersection of the two pairs you have. If you're able to achieve the designated low hand or a better one, go for it. If the table shows \"SP\" or you cannot form the specified low hand, then play the lower pair as your low hand. A superscript number in any cell denotes an applicable exception. If you hold a Joker, refer to the second table; otherwise, stick with the first table.
Second-highest: K, Q, J, or 10
Third-highest: 10, 9, 8, or 7 Fourth-highest: 8, 7, or 6 Exception Highest card: Joker or Ace Second-highest: K, Q, J, 10, or 9 Third-highest: 10, 9, 8, or 7 Fourth-highest: 8, 7, or 6 Exception Highest card: Joker or Ace Second-highest: K, Q, J, 10, or 9 Third-highest: 9, 8, or 7 Fourth-highest: 8, 7, or 6 Exceptions Exceptions — No Pair Top 4 Ranks Rule WKJ7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WKT8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WKT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WK98
Play the 2
ndand 6 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 th highest cards in the low hand WK97 Play the 2 33 nd 1 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WK87 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand WQT8 Play the 2 44 nd 1 and 4 2 th highest cards in the low hand WQT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WQ98 Play the 2 55 nd 2 and 6 2 th highest cards in the low hand WQ97 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WQ87 Play the 2 66 nd 2 and 7 2 th highest cards in the low hand WJT8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WJT7 Play the 2 77 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WJ98 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WJ97 Play the 2 88 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WJ87 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand WT98 Play the 3 99 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WT97 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WT87 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand W987 Play the 4 th and 5 th highest cards in the low hand AKT8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT6 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AK98 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AK97 Play the 2 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand AK96 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AK87 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AK86 Play the 2 1 nd 1 and 6 2 th 2 highest cards in the low hand AK76 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AQT7 1 Play the 2 nd
and 4th 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 highest cards in the low hand AQT6 Play the 2 nd 33 and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AQ98 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AQ97 Play the 2 nd 44 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AQ96 Play the 2 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand AQ87 Play the 2 nd 55 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AQ86 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AQ76 Play the 2 nd 66 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AJT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AJT6 Play the 2 nd 77 and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AJ98 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AJ97 Play the 2 nd 88 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AJ96 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AJ87 Play the 2 nd 99 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AJ86 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AJ76 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand AT98 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AT97 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AT96 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand AT87 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AT86 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AT76 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand A987 Play the 4 th and 6 th highest cards in the low hand A986 Play the 4 th and 5 th highest cards in the low hand A976 Play the 3 rd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand A876 Play the 4 th and 6 th highest cards in the low hand KQ87 Play the 2 nd
1 If your highest hand qualifies as a Flush or higher, prioritize that instead of splitting the pairs.
2 In a scenario where you have a Straight Flush or a better high hand, take that option instead of splitting the pairs.and 5
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
th
- Having a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens offers the opportunity to play Ace-King in your low hand when possible.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
highest cards in the low hand
- With pairs of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, you should play Ace-Queen or Ace-King in the low hand whenever opportunities arise.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
KQ86
Having a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens offers the opportunity to play Ace-King in your low hand when possible.
Position a pair of Aces in the high hand if it enhances the low hand from Jack-high or below to at least Queen-Ten or better.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
Play the 2
With pairs of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, you should play Ace-Queen or Ace-King in the low hand whenever opportunities arise.
Position a pair of Aces in the high hand if it enhances the low hand from Jack-high or below to at least Queen-Ten or better.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
nd
Keep track of the low hand established by the previous guidelines. Check the corresponding table to find the section that matches the higher card in that low hand with your pair. If the cell displays a low hand and you can achieve that hand (or superior) by giving up a Straight/Flush, go ahead. Use the initial table if the Joker isn’t in play, or the second table if it is present.
and 4
th highest cards in the low hand KQ85 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand KQ76 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand KQ75 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when there’s no Joker in play.
KJ86 Play the 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand KJ85 22 33 44 55 66 Play the 2 nd and 4 th 77 highest cards in the low hand KJ76 Play the 2 nd 88 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand KJ75 99 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand KT86 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand KT85 Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when a Joker is present. Play the 2 nd 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 4 th highest cards in the low hand KT76 Play the 2 22 33 44 55 nd and 6 th 66 highest cards in the low hand KT75 Play the 2 nd and 6 77 th highest cards in the low hand K986 Play the 2 88 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand 99 K985 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand K976 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand K975 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand K876 Play the 3 rd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand K875 1 1 Do not attempt to upgrade the low hand if it results in a Queen-Jack.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
Play the 3
Keep track of the low hand established by the previous guidelines. Check the corresponding table to find the section that matches the higher card in that low hand with your pair. If the cell displays a low hand and you can achieve that hand (or superior) by giving up a Straight/Flush, go ahead. Use the initial table if the Joker isn’t in play, or the second table if it is present.
rd
and 4 th highest cards in the low hand Exceptions Exceptions — No Pair Top 4 Ranks Rule WKJ8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WKJ7 Play the 2 nd Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when there’s no Joker in play.
and 4 th 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 highest cards in the low hand WKT9 Play the 2 nd and 4 22 33 44 55 66 77 th highest cards in the low hand WKT8 88 Play the 2 nd and 4 99 th highest cards in the low hand WKT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WK98 Play the 2 nd and 6 Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when a Joker is present. th highest cards in the low hand 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 WK97 Play the 2 nd and 6 th 22 33 44 55 66 highest cards in the low hand WK87 Play the 2 77 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand 88 WQJ7 Play the 2 nd and 4 99 th highest cards in the low hand WQT9 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WQT8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WQT7 Play the 2 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand WQ98 Play the 2 nd 1 1 Do not attempt to upgrade the low hand if it results in a Queen-Jack.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
and 6
Keep track of the low hand established by the previous guidelines. Check the corresponding table to find the section that matches the higher card in that low hand with your pair. If the cell displays a low hand and you can achieve that hand (or superior) by giving up a Straight/Flush, go ahead. Use the initial table if the Joker isn’t in play, or the second table if it is present.
th
highest cards in the low hand WQ97 Play the 2 nd and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WQ87 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand WJT9 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WJT8 Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when there’s no Joker in play.
Play the 2 nd 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 4 th highest cards in the low hand WJT7 Play the 2 22 33 44 55 nd and 5 th highest cards in the low hand 66 WJ98 Play the 2 nd and 6 th 77 highest cards in the low hand WJ97 Play the 2 nd 88 and 6 th highest cards in the low hand WJ87 99 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand WT98 Play the 2 nd and 7 th highest cards in the low hand WT97 Play the 3 rd Exceptional cases for Straight/Flush combined with One Pair when a Joker is present. and 6 th 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 highest cards in the low hand WT87 Play the 3 rd and 5 22 33 44 th highest cards in the low hand 55 W987 Play the 4 th and 5 th 66 highest cards in the low hand AKJ7 Play the 2 nd and 4 77 th highest cards in the low hand AKJ6 Play the 2 nd 88 and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT9 99 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT8 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT7 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AKT6 Play the 2 nd and 4 th highest cards in the low hand AK98 Play the 2 nd 1 1 Do not attempt to upgrade the low hand if it results in a Queen-Jack.
and 5
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
Prioritize the best low hand that maintains a Straight/Flush in the high hand.
th
- If your resulting low hand is Ten-high or weaker, and there's a possibility of forming a better high hand category, choose the best low hand that corresponds with that top high hand possible.