SUPER STUD 8

Overview

Super Stud 8 is a split-pot stud variant where each player receives four cards face-down plus one face-up door card. After the bring-in, each active player calls or raises and discards exactly two of their four hole cards. Play continues like 7-card stud Hi/Lo 8-or-Better, splitting the pot between the best high hand and the best qualifying low (five unpaired ranks all 8 or below, aces low).

Ante

All players post an ante. Aces are always low (both for bring-in and for low hands). Maximum 6 players.

The Deal

• Initial deal: Four cards face-down + one face-up door card
• Bring-In: Player with the highest door card brings in (High Card Bring-In — ace is the lowest card, so King is worst)
• Discard Round: Each active player calls or raises, then discards exactly two of their four hole cards. Players who fold do not discard.
• Streets 4–6: One card face-up each
• 7th Street: One card face-down

Final Hand

Pot splits between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand (five unpaired ranks all 8 or lower, with aces counting as low). If no player qualifies for low, the high hand wins the entire pot. Players may use any five of their remaining seven cards for each half.

Strategy Tips

• With four starting hole cards you have six pairs to choose from — prioritize keeping two low cards (A, 2, 3) that can build toward the nut low
• A low door card (A–5) lets you conceal your low draw while opponents see only your board; a high door card can build deceptive high-hand potential
• Scooping (winning both halves) is the main goal; starting with A-2 plus two low backups gives the best scoop potential
• The high card bring-in (ace is low) flips standard stud ordering — King door is the worst starting position