Hi-Low Jim Poker

Hi-Low Jim Poker Overview

Hi/Low Jim is very different from most stud games in that the players get to see all of their cards before any betting begins. Additionally, Hi/Low Jim is one of the few stud games that is always played as a hi/low split pot. It is played by 3-7 players.

Hi-Low Poker Jim Rules

Before play begins, each player places a small sum, known as the ante, in the pot. Then the dealer gives each player seven cards face down. Players examine their cards. At this point, players are expected to decide, but not announce, whether they have a high hand or a low hand. They choose the five cards that form the best hand to match that hand. There are two cards left over. One of those cards is discarded. Each player takes four of the five cards and places them facedown in a pile. The other two cards are placed at the two sides. If the player has a high hand, the card which is part of the hand should be placed to the right of the four card pile. If the player has a low hand, the card which is part of the hand should be placed to the left.

At the same time, all players flip the top of their four card pile. Then there is a round of betting. Beginning with the player to the dealer’s left, each player can choose whether they want to call the current bet, up the stakes by raising, or fold to avoid further losses.

Each of the remaining three cards is flipped by all players at the same time, and there is a round of betting after each card is turned over. Finally, at the last round, all players simultaneously show their final card. Turning over the left card announces that the player is vying for the low hand, while turning over the right hand card announces that the player is vying for the high hand. Unless every other player folds one player cannot scoop the pot. The player with the best hand and the player with the lowest hand each win half of the pot.