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Pai Gow Poker Strategy

Introduction

The Pai Gow Poker strategies on this page are designed to be used against the Foxwoods house way. They may or may not be as effective against other house ways.

Strategy Selection

Please choose the strategy you would like to see:

  • Dealer Banker: The best strategy to use when the dealer is banking
  • Player Banker: The best strategy to use when you are banking
  • Single Strategy: The best strategy to use when you are banking every other hand but don't want to use two strategies

Please choose the level of detail you would like to see:

  • Simple: Easy-to-memorize strategy advice
  • Intermediate: More detailed strategy advice
  • Advanced: Highly detailed, nearly-optimal strategy advice

The Simple Dealer-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 2.6892% when the dealer is banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 2.7212%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 2.5122%.

The Intermediate Dealer-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 2.5733% when the dealer is banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 2.7212%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 2.5122%.

The Advanced Dealer-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 2.5161% when the dealer is banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 2.7212%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 2.5122%.

The Simple Player-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 0.2089% when you are banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 0.2540%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 0.0442%.

The Intermediate Player-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 0.0986% when you are banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 0.2540%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 0.0442%.

The Advanced Player-Banker Strategy has a house edge of 0.0476% when you are banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 0.2540%, and optimal strategy has a house edge of 0.0442%.

The Simple Single Strategy has a house edge of 1.4512% when taking turns banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 1.4876%, and the optimal single strategy has a house edge of 1.2893%.

The Intermediate Single Strategy has a house edge of 1.3461% when taking turns banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 1.4876%, and the optimal single strategy has a house edge of 1.2893%.

The Advanced Single Strategy has a house edge of 1.2925% when taking turns banking. For comparison, the House Way has a house edge of 1.4876%, and the optimal single strategy has a house edge of 1.2893%.

Definitions

  • Straight/Flush means one or more Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush
  • Natural means one or more cards which are not the Joker
  • Ace means a Natural Ace or the Joker, unless otherwise indicated
  • 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 rank sequence means a Natural Ace or the Joker, unless otherwise indicated
  • W in a rank sequence means the Joker

Contents

Section 1 applies to hands that cannot form a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush. Section 2 applies to hands that can. The rules in each section are based upon the various rank multiples possible for that section.

Section 1: No Straight/Flush Possible

The rules in this section apply only to hands that cannot form a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush.

  1. Five of a Kind + One Pair

    Play a pair of Kings in the low hand if possible, otherwise play a pair of Aces in the low hand.

    Play a pair of Aces in the low hand.

  2. Five of a Kind

    Play a pair of Aces in the low hand.

  3. Four of a Kind + Three of a Kind

    Split the Four of a Kind if it is at least two ranks higher than the Three of a Kind, otherwise split the Three of a Kind.

  4. Four of a Kind + One Pair

    Play the pair in the low hand.

    Play the pair in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • Split Tens, Jacks, or Queens with 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
    • Split Jacks or Queens with a pair of 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 list of exceptions, an A refers specifically to 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 list of exceptions, an A refers specifically to 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 list of exceptions, an A refers specifically to 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

  5. Four of a Kind

    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s or 7s together with Queen-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 8s or 9s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 10s or Jacks together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Always split Queens, Kings, or Aces
    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 7s or 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 9s, 10s, or Jacks together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Always split Queens, Kings, or Aces
    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s or 7s together with Queen-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 8s or 9s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 10s, Jacks, or Queens together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Always split Kings or Aces
    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 9s together with King-Jack or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 10s together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Keep Jacks together with Ace-Five or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Queens together with Ace-Ten or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen, otherwise split
    • Always split Aces
    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s together with Queen-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 9s together with King-Queen or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 10s together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Keep Jacks together with Ace-Six or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Queens together with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen, otherwise split
    • Always split Aces
    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s
    • Keep 5s together with Ten-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 6s together with Jack-Ten or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 9s together with King-Jack or better, otherwise split
    • Keep 10s together with King-Queen or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Jacks together with Ace-high, otherwise split
    • Keep Queens together with Ace-Ten or better, otherwise split
    • Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen, otherwise split
    • Always split Aces

    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s

    • Split 5s with 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, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • JT5, JT4, JT3, JT2, J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together

    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • QT6, QT5, QT4, QT3, QT2, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s together

    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split

    • Keep 9s together with King-Queen or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • KJ8, KJ7, KJ6, KJ5, KJ4, KJ3, KJ2, K87 — keep the 9s together

    • Keep 10s together with Ace-high, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • KQ9, KQ8, KQ7, KQ3, KQ2 — keep the 10s together

    • Keep Jacks together with Natural Ace-high, or Joker-Eight or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — play Joker-Jack in the low hand

    • Keep Queens together with Natural Ace-Ten or better, or Joker-Jack or better, otherwise split

    • Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen, otherwise split

    • Always split Aces

    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s

    • Split 5s with 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, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together

    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • QT6, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s together
      • QJT — split the 7s

    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split

    • Keep 9s together with King-Queen or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • KJ8, KJ7, KJ6, KJ3, KJ2 — keep the 9s together

    • Keep 10s together with Ace-high, otherwise split

    • Keep Jacks together with Natural Ace-high, or Joker-Nine or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • W87, W86, W85, W84, W83, W82, W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — play Joker-Jack in the low hand

    • Keep Queens together with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split

    • Keep Kings together with Natural Ace-Queen, otherwise split

    • Always split Aces

    • Never split 2s, 3s, or 4s

    • Split 5s with 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, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • JT5, JT4, JT3, JT2, J54, J53, J52, J43, J42, J32 — keep the 6s together

    • Keep 7s together with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • QT6, QT5, QT4, QT3, QT2, Q65, Q64, Q63, Q62, Q54, Q53, Q52, Q43, Q42, Q32 — keep the 7s together

    • Keep 8s together with King-high or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combination:

      • QJ7 — keep the 8s together

    • Keep 9s together with King-Eight or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • KT7, KT6, KT5, KT4, KT3, KT2 — split the 9s

    • Keep 10s together with King-Queen or better, otherwise split

    • Keep Jacks together with Natural Ace-high, or Joker-Eight or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • W76, W75, W74, W73, W72, W65, W64, W63, W62, W54, W53 — play Joker-Jack in the low hand

    • Keep Queens together with Ace-Ten or better, otherwise split, except with the following kicker combinations:

      • WT6, WT5, WT4 — split the Queens

    • Keep Kings together with Ace-Queen, otherwise split

    • Always split Aces

  6. Three of a Kind + Three of a Kind

    Play a pair from the higher set in the low hand.

  7. 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

  8. Three of a Kind + One Pair

    Play the pair in the low hand.

    The following table indicates the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    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
    AAA SP 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

    The following table indicates the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA
    222 - AJ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AJ - AQ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AQ AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AQ AK 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 SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    999 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 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -

     

    Legend

    AJ Ace-Jack or better
    AQ Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King
    SP Split

    The following table indicates the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA
    222 - AJ AQ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AJ - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AJ AQ - AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AJ AQ AK - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AQ AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    777 AQ AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AQ AK AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    999 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 SP SP - SP
    AAA SP 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

    The following tables indicate the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Use the first table for hands that do not have the Joker as a kicker; use the second table for hands that do. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy — Neither Kicker is the Joker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA
    222 - AJ AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AJ - AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AJ AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AQ AQ AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AQ AQ AK AK - 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
    AAA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -

     

    Full House Strategy — Joker is a Kicker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    222 - AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AQ AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AQ AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AQ AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    777 AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP
    999 AK AK SP SP SP SP 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 -

     

    Legend

    AJ Ace-Jack or better
    AQ Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King
    SP Split

    The following tables indicate the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Use the first table for hands that do not have the Joker as a kicker; use the second table for hands that do. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy — Neither Kicker is the Joker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA
    222 - AJ AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AJ - AQ AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AJ AQ - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AQ AK 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 SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    999 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 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -

     

    Full House Strategy — Joker is a Kicker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    222 - AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AQ - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AQ AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AK AK SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    777 AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP
    999 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

    The following tables indicate the minimum low hand needed to play a Full House in the high hand. Use the first table for hands that do not have the Joker as a kicker; use the second table for hands that do. Look up the cell at the intersection of the Three of a Kind and the Pair. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the minimum low hand indicated, split the Full House by playing the pair in the low hand, otherwise play the Full House.

    Full House Strategy — Neither Kicker is the Joker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK AA
    222 - AT AJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AT - AQ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AJ AQ - AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AJ AQ AK - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AJ AQ AK AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    777 AQ AQ AK AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AQ AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    999 AQ AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP
    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 -

     

    Full House Strategy — Joker is a Kicker

    Three of
    a Kind    		 Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    222 - AJ AQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP
    333 AQ - AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    444 AQ AQ - AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    555 AQ AK AK - AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    666 AQ AK AK AK - SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
    777 AQ AK AK SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP SP
    888 AQ AK AK SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP SP
    999 AQ AK AK SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP SP
    TTT AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP SP
    JJJ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP SP
    QQQ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP SP - SP
    KKK AQ AQ 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

  9. Three of a Kind

    Play the the highest two kickers in the low hand, except with three Aces, play an Ace and the highest kicker in the low hand.

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • Always split Aces
    • Split Kings if the low hand is lower than Jack-Ten

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • Always split Aces
    • Always split Kings except with the following low hands:

       

      • Jack-Ten
      • Queen-high
      • Ace-Eight or better

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • Always split Aces
    • Always split Kings except with the following low hands:

       

      • Jack-Ten
      • Queen-high
      • Joker-Six
      • Ace-Seven or better

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • Always split Aces
    • Always split Kings except as follows:

       

      • Jack-Nine — split unless the other two cards are 7-5, 7-4, 6-5, 6-4, 6-3, 5-4, 5-3, 5-2, or 4-3
      • Jack-Ten — do not split
      • Queen-high — do not split
      • Joker-Eight — do not split unless the other two cards are 4-2 or 3-2
      • Ace-Nine or better — do not split

  10. Three Pair

    Play the highest pair in the low hand.

  11. Two Pair

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 7 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 to 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 7 to 11 points: play Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 16 points: play Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 7 points or less: play Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 to 11 points: play Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 17 points: play Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 9 or 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 or 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 14 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Nine or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 or 18 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 19 or 20 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 21 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 to 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 13 to 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 20 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 5 points: play the Two Pair with Jack-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 6 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 9 or 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 points: play the Two Pair with King-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 14 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Nine, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 or 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 20 or 21 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 22 or more points: split the pairs

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    Legend

    Q Queen-high or better
    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    K King-high or better
    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
    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

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 Q - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 Q QT - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QT QJ K - - - - - - - - -
    66 QJ K K KT - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KJ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KT KQ KQ A A - - - - - -
    99 KJ KQ KQ A A A A4 - - - - -
    TT KQ A A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A8 AT AQ AQ AK AK AK - - -
    QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A8 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A A9 AT AQ AQ AK AK - - -
    QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK AK AK SP 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

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    Legend

    Q Queen-high or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    K King-high or better
    KT King-Ten or better
    KJ King-Jack or better
    KQ King-Queen or better
    A Ace-high
    A8 Ace-Eight or better
    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

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 Q - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 Q QJ - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QJ K K - - - - - - - - -
    66 K K K KT - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KQ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KJ KQ A A A - - - - - -
    99 KJ KQ A A A A A - - - - -
    TT KQ A A A A AJ AQ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A8 AT AQ AK AK AK SP - - -
    QQ A9 AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A AT AQ AQ AK AK AK - - -
    QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    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 Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King
    SP Split

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 JT - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 Q QT - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QT QJ K - - - - - - - - -
    66 QJ K K K9 - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KJ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KT KJ KQ KQ A - - - - - -
    99 KT KJ KQ KQ A A A5 - - - - -
    TT KQ KQ A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A 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 SP SP -
    AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A8 AJ AJ - - - -
    JJ A A A7 A9 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

  12. One Pair

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With a pair of Aces, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • K76
      • Q76, Q75
      • J76, J75, J65
      • T76, T75, T65
      • 976, 975, 965
      • 876, 875, 865

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With a pair of Aces, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • 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
      • 986, 985, 984, 976, 975, 974, 965
      • 876, 875, 874, 865

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • With a pair of Natural Aces, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • Q76, Q75
      • J76, J75, J65
      • T76, T75, T65
      • 975, 965
      • 876, 875, 865

    • With a Joker-Ace pair, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • K76
      • Q76
      • J76
      • T76
      • 976
      • 876

    Play the highest two kickers in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    • With a pair of Natural Aces, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • K86, K85, K76, K75
      • Q86, Q85, Q84, Q76, Q75, Q74
      • J86, J85, J84, J76, J75, J74, J65
      • T86, T85, T84, T76, T75, T74, T65
      • 986, 985, 984, 976, 975, 974, 965
      • 876, 875, 874, 865

    • With a Joker-Ace pair, look at the three highest kickers. If they match one of the combinations below, play the first and third-highest kickers in the low hand:

      • K87, K86, K76
      • Q87, Q86, Q76
      • J87, J86, J76
      • T87, T86, T76
      • 986, 976
      • 876

  13. No Pair

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exception

    • If the highest four cards fall within the ranges listed below, play the second and fourth-highest cards in the low hand:

      • Highest card: Joker or Ace
      • Second-highest: K, Q, J, or 10
      • Third-highest: 10, 9, 8, or 7
      • Fourth-highest: 8, 7, or 6

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exception

    • If the highest four cards fall within the ranges listed below, play the second and fourth-highest cards in the low hand:

      • 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

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exception

    • If the highest four cards fall within the ranges listed below, play the second and fourth-highest cards in the low hand:

      • 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

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    Look at the four highest-ranking cards. If they appear in the following table, apply the corresponding rule. An A in this table refers specifically to a Natural Ace.

    Exceptions — No Pair

    Top 4 Ranks Rule
    WKJ7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT98 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT97 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT87 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    W987 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK97 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ96 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ76 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT87 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT86 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT76 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    A987 Play the 4thand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    A986 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A976 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A876 Play the 4thand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ87 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ86 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ86 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT75 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K986 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    K985 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K976 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K975 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K876 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K875 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    Look at the four highest-ranking cards. If they appear in the following table, apply the corresponding rule. An A in this table refers specifically to a Natural Ace.

    Exceptions — No Pair

    Top 4 Ranks Rule
    WKJ8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKJ7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT9 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQJ7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT9 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT7 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJT9 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJT7 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT98 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT97 Play the 3rdand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT87 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    W987 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKJ7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKJ6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT9 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK98 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK97 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK96 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQJ7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQJ6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ96 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJT7 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ76 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT98 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT87 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT86 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT76 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    A987 Play the 4thand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    A986 Play the 3rdand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    A976 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A876 Play the 4thand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ95 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ87 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ86 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ95 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ86 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT95 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT75 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K987 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K986 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K985 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K976 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K975 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K876 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    K875 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    QJ85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    QJ76 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    QJ75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    QT85 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    QT76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    QT75 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    Q985 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    Q976 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    Q975 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    Q876 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    Q875 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand

    Play the second and third highest cards in the low hand.

    Exceptions

    Look at the four highest-ranking cards. If they appear in the following table, apply the corresponding rule. An A in this table refers specifically to a Natural Ace.

    Exceptions — No Pair

    Top 4 Ranks Rule
    WKT8 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WK87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WQ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ97 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    WJ87 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT98 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT97 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    WT87 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    W987 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT7 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AKT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AK76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQT6 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ98 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ96 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AQ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ87 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ86 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AJ76 Play the 2ndand 7thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT97 Play the 2ndand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT96 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT87 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT86 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    AT76 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    A987 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A986 Play the 4thand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A976 Play the 3rdand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    A876 Play the 4thand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KQ76 Play the 2ndand 5thhighest cards in the low hand
    KJ76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    KT76 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K976 Play the 2ndand 6thhighest cards in the low hand
    K975 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K876 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand
    K875 Play the 3rdand 4thhighest cards in the low hand

Section 2: Straights and Flushes

The rules in this section apply only to hands that can make one or more Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, and/or Royal Flush. The term "Straight/Flush" refers to any one or more of these four hand types.

Notes

  • Foxwoods treats A2345 as the lowest Straight or Straight Flush.
  • In a wild Flush, the Joker assumes the highest rank not present among the four natural cards.

 

  1. Four of a Kind

    Play the highest Straight/Flush which leaves a pair of Aces in the low hand.

  2. Three of a Kind + One Pair

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With 7s full of Aces, play the Aces in the low hand if the other two cards are Ten-Six or lower

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With 7s full of Aces, play the Aces in the low hand if the other two cards are Six-Five or lower

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With 7s full of Aces, play the Aces in the low hand if the other two cards are Queen-Six or lower

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With 7s full of Aces, play the Aces in the low hand if the other two cards are any of the following combinations:

      • T6, T5, T4, T3, T2
      • 96, 95, 94, 93, 92
      • 85, 84
      • 65, 64, 63, 62
      • 54, 53, 52
      • 43, 42
      • 32

    Play the Straight/Flush if the resulting low hand is a pair of 7s or better, otherwise play the Three of a Kind in the high hand and the pair in the low hand.

    Exception

    • With 7s full of Aces, play the Aces in the low hand if the other two cards are any of the following combinations:

      • Q6, Q5, Q4, Q3
      • J6, J5, J4, J3, J2
      • T6, T5, T4, T3, T2
      • 96, 95, 94, 93, 92
      • 86, 85, 84, 83, 82
      • 65, 64, 63, 62
      • 54, 53, 52
      • 43, 42
      • 32

  3. Three of a Kind

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • If the resulting low hand is Ace-Jack or lower, and the best high hand has an Ace-high low hand, then play the best high hand instead

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • If the resulting low hand is Ace-Queen or lower, and the best high hand has an Ace-high low hand, then play the best high hand instead

  4. Three Pair

    Play the pair of Aces in the low hand.

  5. Two Pair

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 to 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 to 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 to 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 to 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 9 or 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 or 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 14 or 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 20 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 21 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 6 points or less: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 to 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 13 to 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 20 or more points: split the pairs

    Determine the best low hand that can be made by playing both pairs in the high hand. Then determine the point total of the two pairs (for example, with Queens and 3s, the point total is 12 + 3 = 15). Then play as follows:

    • 5 points: play the Two Pair with Jack-Ten or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 6 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-high or better, otherwise play the best high hand
    • 7 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 8 points: play the Two Pair with Queen-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 9 or 10 points: play the Two Pair with King-high or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 11 points: play the Two Pair with King-Ten or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 12 points: play the Two Pair with King-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 13 points: play the Two Pair with King-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 14 or 15 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-high, otherwise split the pairs
    • 16 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Eight or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 17 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Jack or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 18 or 19 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-Queen or better, otherwise split the pairs
    • 20 or 21 points: play the Two Pair with Ace-King, otherwise split the pairs
    • 22 or more points: split the pairs

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. A superscript number in a cell means that the corresponding exception applies. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    Legend

    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    K King-high or better
    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
    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

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 QT1 - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 QT2 QT2 - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QT3 QJ3 K - - - - - - - - -
    66 QJ3 K3 K KT - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KJ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KT KQ KQ A A - - - - - -
    99 KJ KQ KQ A A A A4 - - - - -
    TT KQ A A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A8 AT AQ AQ AK AK SP - - -
    QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK AK SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP2 SP2 SP3 SP3 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP3
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A8 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A A9 AT AQ AQ AK AK - - -
    QQ A9 AT AJ AK AK AK AK SP 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

    Exceptions

    1 Play the best high hand instead of splitting the pairs
    2 If the best high hand is a Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs
    3 If the best high hand is a Straight Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. A superscript number in a cell means that the corresponding exception applies. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    Legend

    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    K King-high or better
    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
    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

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 QJ1 - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 QJ2 QT2 - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QT2 K3 K - - - - - - - - -
    66 K3 K3 K KT - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KQ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KJ KQ A A A - - - - - -
    99 KJ KQ A A A A A4 - - - - -
    TT KQ A A A A AJ AQ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A8 AT AQ AK AK AK SP - - -
    QQ A9 AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP2 SP2 SP3 SP3 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A9 AQ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A A AT AQ AQ AK AK SP - - -
    QQ A9 AJ AJ AK AK SP SP SP SP SP - -
    KK AQ AQ SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP -
    AA SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP

    Exceptions

    1 Play the best high hand instead of splitting the pairs
    2 If the best high hand is a Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs
    3 If the best high hand is a Straight Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs

    Look up the cell at the intersection of the two pairs. If you can make the specified low hand or better, then play it. If the cell contains "SP" or you cannot make the specified low hand, play the lower pair in the low hand. A superscript number in a cell means that the corresponding exception applies. Use the second table if you have the Joker, otherwise use the first table.

    Legend

    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 Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King
    SP Split

    Two Pair Strategy — No Joker

    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 QT1 - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 QT1 QT2 - - - - - - - - - -
    55 QT2 QJ2 K - - - - - - - - -
    66 QJ2 K2 K K9 - - - - - - - -
    77 K K KT KJ KQ - - - - - - -
    88 K KT KJ KQ KQ A - - - - - -
    99 KT KJ KQ KQ A A A5 - - - - -
    TT KQ KQ A A A A9 AJ AQ - - - -
    JJ A A 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 SP SP -
    AA SP1 SP1 SP2 SP2 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP1
     
    Two Pair Strategy — Joker Present
    High
    Pair    		 Low Pair
    22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 TT JJ QQ KK
    33 A - - - - - - - - - - -
    44 A A - - - - - - - - - -
    55 A A A - - - - - - - - -
    66 A A A A - - - - - - - -
    77 A A A A A - - - - - - -
    88 A A A A A A - - - - - -
    99 A A A A A A A - - - - -
    TT A A A A A A8 AJ AJ - - - -
    JJ A A A7 A9 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

    Exceptions

    1 If the best high hand is a Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs
    2 If the best high hand is a Straight Flush or better, play that instead of splitting the pairs

  6. One Pair

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • With a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, play Ace-King in the low hand whenever possible

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • With a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, play Ace-Queen or Ace-King in the low hand whenever possible

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exceptions

    • With a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, play Ace-King in the low hand whenever possible

    • Play a pair of Aces in the high hand if it improves the low hand from Jack-high or lower to Queen-Ten or better

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • With a pair of 9s, 10s, Jacks, or Queens, play Ace-Queen or Ace-King in the low hand whenever possible

    • Play a pair of Aces in the high hand if it improves the low hand from Jack-high or lower to Queen-Ten or better

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exceptions

    Note the low hand created by following the above rule. In the appropriate table below, locate the intersection of that low hand's higher-ranking card, and the pair you have. If the cell indicates a low hand, and you are able to play that low hand (or better) by sacrificing the Straight/Flush, then do so. Use the first table if you do not have the Joker, and the second table if you do.

    Legend

    Q9 Queen-Nine or better
    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    KJ King-Jack or better
    KQ King-Queen or better
    A9 Ace-Nine or better
    AT Ace-Ten or better
    AJ Ace-Jack or better
    AQ Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King

    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — No Joker

    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44                        
    55                        
    66       AK AK AK AK          
    77         AK AK AK AK        
    88           AQ AQ AK AK      
    99             AJ AQ AK      
    TT               AJ AK      
    JJ                 AQ      
    QQ                   AK    
    KK                        
    AA                        
     
    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — Joker Present
    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44                        
    55       AK AK AK            
    66       AK AK AK AK AK        
    77         AJ AQ AK AK        
    88           AJ AQ AQ AK      
    99             AT AQ AQ      
    TT               A9 AQ AK    
    JJ                 AT AK    
    QQ                   AJ    
    KK                     AQ  
    AA Q9 Q9 Q9 QT QT QT QT QJ KJ KQ1    

    1 Do not improve the low hand if it is Queen-Jack

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exceptions

    Note the low hand created by following the above rule. In the appropriate table below, locate the intersection of that low hand's higher-ranking card, and the pair you have. If the cell indicates a low hand, and you are able to play that low hand (or better) by sacrificing the Straight/Flush, then do so. Use the first table if you do not have the Joker, and the second table if you do.

    Legend

    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    KJ King-Jack or better
    KQ King-Queen or better
    AT Ace-Ten or better
    AJ Ace-Jack or better
    AQ Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King

    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — No Joker

    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44                        
    55                        
    66                        
    77         AK AK AK          
    88           AK AK AK        
    99             AQ AQ AK      
    TT               AJ AK      
    JJ                 AQ      
    QQ                   AK    
    KK                        
    AA                        
     
    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — Joker Present
    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44                        
    55                        
    66       AK AK AK            
    77         AK AK AK AK        
    88           AJ AQ AK AK      
    99             AT AQ AK      
    TT               AJ AQ      
    JJ                 AT AK    
    QQ                   AJ    
    KK                        
    AA QT QT QT QT QT QT QT QJ KJ KQ1    

    1 Do not improve the low hand if it is Queen-Jack

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exceptions

    Note the low hand created by following the above rule. In the appropriate table below, locate the intersection of that low hand's higher-ranking card, and the pair you have. If the cell indicates a low hand, and you are able to play that low hand (or better) by sacrificing the Straight/Flush, then do so. Use the first table if you do not have the Joker, and the second table if you do.

    Legend

    Q9 Queen-Nine or better
    QT Queen-Ten or better
    QJ Queen-Jack or better
    KJ King-Jack or better
    KQ King-Queen or better
    A9 Ace-Nine or better
    AT Ace-Ten or better
    AJ Ace-Jack or better
    AQ Ace-Queen or better
    AK Ace-King

    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — No Joker

    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44                        
    55     AK AK AK AK            
    66       AK AK AK AK AK        
    77         AQ AQ AK AK        
    88           AQ AQ AQ AK      
    99             AJ AQ AK      
    TT               AJ AQ      
    JJ                 AQ AK    
    QQ                   AK    
    KK                     AQ  
    AA                        
     
    Exceptions — Straight/Flush + One Pair — Joker Present
    Pair High Card of Resulting Low Hand
    3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T J Q K A
    22                        
    33                        
    44     AK AK                
    55     AK AK AK AK AK          
    66       AK AK AK AK AK        
    77         AJ AQ AQ AK AK      
    88           AJ AQ AQ AK      
    99             AT AJ AQ AK    
    TT               A9 AQ AK    
    JJ                 A9 AK    
    QQ                   AT    
    KK                     AQ  
    AA Q9 Q9 Q9 Q9 Q9 Q9 QT QJ KJ KQ1    

    1 Do not improve the low hand if it is Queen-Jack

  7. No Pair

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Play the best low hand that leaves a Straight/Flush in the high hand.

    Exception

    • If the resulting low hand is Ten-high or lower, and a better category of high hand can be made, play the best low hand that can be made with the best category of high hand

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Written by: Michael Shackleford