Stud / Community Hybrid · Antes · Low Card Bring-In · Split Pot · 8-or-Better Low · 8 Players Max
Overview
Billabong is a unique hybrid of stud and community card poker. Each player receives 3 individual cards (2 face-down + 1 face-up), while 4 community cards are dealt to the center over three streets (2 simultaneously, then 1, then 1). Players make their best 5-card hand using any combination of their 3 individual and the 4 community cards — 7 cards total, best 5. Split pot: high hand vs lowest 5 unique ranks A–8. The low card bring-in is based on individual upcards; subsequent streets are led by the highest visible hand (individual + community cards combined).
Watch a Sample Hand
Hero combines individual Kings with community Kings and Aces for a Full House. P3's low cards combine with community to qualify for the low half.
POT: $24
COMMUNITY
YOU (Hero)
FULL HOUSE KKK-AA · HIGH!
Player 2
BRING-IN (2♥ lowest)
Player 3
A-3-4-6-7 · LOW WIN!
Ready to Deal
Press Next Step to begin dealing the sample hand.
Step 0 of 5
Key Rules
IMPORTANT: Unlike Omaha, there is no restriction on how many individual vs community cards you use. Use any 5 cards from your 3 individual + 4 community (7 total) for both high and low hands.
The Deal & Betting
Ante: All players post an ante
3rd Street: 2 individual cards face-down + 1 individual card face-up each → lowest individual upcard posts the bring-in
Community Round (4th & 5th):2 community cards dealt face-up to center → Bet (highest hand showing acts first)
6th Street: 1 community card face-up → Bet
7th Street: 1 community card face-up → Bet → Showdown
Split Pot
HIGH: Best 5-card hand using any combination of individual + community cards
LOW: Best 5 cards of unique ranks A–8 using any combination of individual + community
If no qualifying low, high hand scoops the entire pot
Billabong vs Regular Stud
Community cards mean everyone shares the same 4 board cards — board texture matters to all players
With only 3 individual cards, bluffing with your one upcard is highly effective — opponents see very little of your private holdings
Low hands are easier to make since community low cards are shared by all players
