High-Low is a trick taking bluffing game based on the game Guts. Be the first to earn enough tricks to take the pot, or challenge other players trying to take tricks. This is not a table stakes game, you are expected to cover any wagers you lose.
Before the first hand begins, all players place an ante (e.g. $1) into the pot. For clarity, all antes are kept in front of players, rather than a collective pot, until the end of the game.
The dealer deals 2 cards to each player one at a time face down. As soon as the first player receives their second card, they may start the action by declaring "In" or "Out".
One card is dealt face down to all players on each subsequent round and the the player declarations alternate between low and high play.
Round 1 – 2 cards - Low (A-5 lowball rules apply)
Round 2 – 3 cards - High (No straights or flushes, hands are ranked trips, pairs then high card)
Round 3 – 4 cards - Low (A-5 lowball rules apply)
Round 4 – 5 cards - High (Standard poker hand rankings)
Round 5 – 6 cards - Low* (A-5 lowball rules apply)
Round 6 – 7 cards - High* (Standard poker hand rankings)
Once all 7 rounds are complete, the dealer positions moves to the left and everyone antes up.
*High-Low can be played as 5 card, or 7 card with an extra low and high hand.
The dealer deals one card to each player (Two in the initial deal).
The dealer announces the round type (Low or High).
Clockwise from the dealer, players declare "In" or "Out", which is a claim they have the best hand that round.
If two or more players declare "In", then the players secretly swap hands and the loser pays the winner the current value of the pot.
If only one player is "In", there is a challenge round where all the players get a chance to challenge them, and if still nobody challenges them, the player wins a trick.
Low Rounds:
A5 lowball rules apply
High Rounds:
3 card hands: Straights and flushes don’t count, only pairs and three-of-a-kinds are considered high hands, otherwise high card.
5 & 7 card hands: Standard poker rules apply, best 5 card hand, extra cards can be looked at by other players, but do not affect the hand.