Your goal in stud 8 – as in all split-pot games – is to win the entire pot. Therefore, you should start with the type of hand that will allow you to do this. As in Omaha 8, half the pot is awarded to the best ‘hi’ hand, and half is awarded to the lowest hand. Straights and flushes don’t count towards the ‘lo’ hand, but pairs are bad and your highest card must be 8 or lower – hence the name, stud 8.

When evaluating your starting hand, you should be watching the upcards.