High‑Low
High-low, also called hi-lo, is a format in which the pot is divided between the highest and lowest ranking hands at showdown. Common high-low games are Omaha and seven-card stud.
The simple explanation
In a high-low game, one half of the pot goes to the best high hand and the other half to the best low hand. One player can win both halves, which is called scooping.
A closer look
A low hand usually needs five cards of different ranks, with the lowest cards winning. Many games use a qualifier, for example eight or better, so that the low half is paid only if there is a low hand. If nobody qualifies for the low half, the high hand takes the whole pot. Strategy changes: you want hands that can win both ways, and hands that can win only half are less valuable.
A practical example
In Omaha hi-lo, one player wins the high half with a flush, and another wins the low half with a wheel.
Full explanation
High-low, also called hi-lo, is a format in which the pot is divided between the highest and lowest ranking hands at showdown. Common high-low games are Omaha and seven-card stud.
High-low splits the pot between the best high and the best low.
One player can win both halves.
A qualifier may apply to the low half.
Hands that can win both ways are best.
Alternative spelling: high low, hi-lo, hi lo, hilo