California Hi-Lo Draw Rules

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This is a draw game with the pot being split between the highest hand and (if there is one) a low hand. One joker is added to the deck, and can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush (including straight flush).

Low Hands A low hand meeting certain requirements wins half of the pot (otherwise the highest hand wins the entire pot). A qualifying low hand: must contain five cards of 8 or lower (counting aces as 1) must not contain a pair does not rank as a straight or flush for low hand purposes The winning low hand (if there is one) is the one with the lowest high card. If two have the same high card, the second-highest is used to determine the best hand. So [A-2-4-6-8] beats [A-2-4-7-8]. The best possible low hand is [A-2-3-4-5]. Note that this is also a good high hand (a straight), but for low hand purposes, it is a 5-high low hand, not a straight. If you have this hand, you could very easily win the full pot.

The Deal All players post an ante. Players are then dealt five cards each. Players bet a standard betting round, starting with the player to the dealer’s left.

The Draw Once betting is complete, players discard as many of their cards as they wish. They are then dealt replacement cards. The aim here is to discard cards that do not help your hand with the hope that you will be dealt cards that improve your hand.

For example, if you have [2♦ 3♣ 4♥ 5♠ 8♦] you might want to discard the 8♦ in the hope of receiving an ace or a 6 to complete a straight.

After the draw each player has their final hand. Another round of betting takes place, again starting with the player to the dealer’s left.

The ShowdownHigh hand and low hand split the pot. If no low hand qualifies, the high hand wins the whole pot. It is possible for a hand to win as both high hand and low hand (for example, a flush with all low cards).