Community Card Game · Split Pot · 8 Qualifier · Blinds · 9 Players Max · 3×3 Board
Overview
Banco is an Omaha Hi/Lo variant built around a 3×3 community board of 15 cards. The three main-diagonal positions (top-left, center, bottom-right) each hold a stack of 3 cards, while the other six positions hold a single card each. Cards are revealed in three rounds: the flop exposes the main diagonal (all three stacks, all 3 cards in each face-up), while the turn and river each expose three singles. To make your hand you use exactly 2 hole cards plus exactly 3 community cards that form one straight line through the grid.
Watch a Sample Hand
The stacked positions (main diagonal cells, shown with extra cards behind them) each hold 3 cards — all revealed at the flop. When using that line, you pick one. Hero scoops with the bottom row.
POT: $40
YOU (Hero)
HIGH WIN!
LOW WIN!
Player 2
Player 3
Ready to Deal
Press Next Step to begin dealing the sample hand.
Step 0 of 5
The 3×3 Board
The board has 15 community cards arranged in a 3×3 grid. The three main-diagonal positions (top-left, center, bottom-right) each hold a stack of 3 face-down cards. The other six positions hold a single card each. All cards start face-down and are revealed in three rounds:
Flop: All three main-diagonal stacks revealed — all 3 cards in each stack turn face-up simultaneously; SB acts first
Turn: Three singles revealed (top-center, middle-right, bottom-left); BB acts first
River: Final three singles revealed (top-right, middle-left, bottom-center); BB acts first
Community Selection Rule
To make your hand you pick exactly 3 community cards forming a single straight line:
Horizontal row (top, middle, or bottom): 2 singles + 1 stack → pick 1 from the stack
Vertical column (left, center, or right): 2 singles + 1 stack → pick 1 from the stack
Main diagonal (top-left → center → bottom-right): all 3 are stacks → pick 1 from each stack (9 cards to choose from)
Anti-diagonal (top-right → center → bottom-left): 2 singles + 1 stack → pick 1 from the center stack
You see all revealed cards before choosing, and you may use a different line for your high and low halves.
Final Hand & Split Pot
High: Best 5-card high hand using exactly 2 hole cards + your 3 selected community cards (Omaha rule). Low (8 Qualifier): Five unique ranks all 8 or below, aces low. The same line need not be used for both halves.
Strategy Tips
The main diagonal is the most flexible — 9 cards to choose from (one per stack), giving you enormous variety
Low rows are premium: a 3-4-5 row combined with A-2 in hand is a scoop machine
The stacked positions create hidden information — opponents don't know which of the 3 cards you'll pick from a stack until showdown
With 8 possible lines (3 rows + 3 columns + 2 diagonals), scan all options after the river before committing
