Poker has no shortage of exciting variations, and Courchevel Hi/Lo is one that keeps things thrilling from the very first card. A twist on Omaha Hi/Lo, this game ramps up the action by revealing a community card before the first round of betting even begins.
If you enjoy strategic, fast-paced poker with plenty of split pots and big hands, Courchevel Hi/Lo is worth exploring. Below, we break down the rules, strategies, and tips to help you get started.
What is Courchevel Hi/Lo Poker?
Courchevel Hi/Lo is a variation of Omaha Hi/Lo, played with five hole cards and a split pot structure. Half the pot goes to the best high hand, while the other half is claimed by the best qualifying low hand (eight or lower).
The game differs from regular Omaha by immediately revealing the first community card before the pre-flop betting round. This small change has a big impact, giving players an extra piece of information before committing chips to the pot.
Our recommended sites to play Courchevel Hi/Lo poker:
How the Game is Played
1. The Deal and First Community Card
Each player is dealt five private cards. At the same time, the first community card is placed face-up on the board before the betting begins.
2. Pre-Flop Betting
Players now have their hole cards and one community card to consider before making their first decision. Betting follows a standard structure, usually pot-limit, like in Omaha.
3. The Flop, Turn, and River
After the pre-flop betting, the dealer reveals two more community cards, followed by another round of betting. The turn and river are dealt one at a time, each followed by another round of betting.
4. Showdown and Winning Hands
At showdown, players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three of the five community cards to make the best high and low hands. The highest-ranking hand wins half the pot, while the lowest qualifying hand (five unpaired cards, all eight or lower) claims the other half. If no low hand qualifies, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Key Strategies for Courchevel Hi/Lo
Mastering Courchevel Hi/Lo requires a mix of patience, aggression, and an understanding of split-pot dynamics.
Key Strategies for Courchevel HiLo
Starting Hand Selection Matters
Since five hole cards give you more possibilities than Texas Hold’em, you’ll see a lot of playable hands. However, not all hands are created equal. Strong starting hands include:
- Double-suited cards to increase flush potential
- Low cards (eight or lower) that also contain strong high-hand potential
- Connected cards to make straights in both directions
Avoid hands that only compete for half the pot. If you’re playing for the high but someone has an unbeatable low, you risk getting quartered—only winning a fraction of the pot while still investing heavily.
Use the Exposed First Card Wisely
Unlike other poker games, Courchevel Hi/Lo gives you an extra piece of information before you commit any chips. If the first revealed community card drastically improves your hand, you may want to play aggressively early on. Conversely, if the exposed card weakens your hand’s chances, folding early can save you money.
Position is Key
Late position gives you a significant advantage in Courchevel Hi/Lo. You get to see how others react to the exposed card before making your own decisions. Being able to play more hands in position and fold weaker ones when opponents show strength will help you minimise losses and maximise wins.
Be Mindful of Pot Commitment
One of the biggest mistakes new players make in this game is chasing a high hand while ignoring the risk of being countered by a better low. If you’re not drawing to both the high and low pots, you should be cautious about investing too many chips in a contested hand.
How Courchevel Hi/Lo Compares to Other Poker Variants
If you’re already familiar with Omaha Hi/Lo, transitioning to Courchevel Hi/Lo is fairly simple. The biggest adjustment is the first exposed community card, which slightly changes pre-flop hand selection and betting dynamics.
Compared to Texas Hold’em, the game involves more complex decision-making due to the five hole cards and split-pot nature. It also has more action-heavy pots, making it a great choice for players who enjoy dynamic gameplay. Many of the best poker sites offer Courchevel Hi/Lo as an alternative for those looking to expand their poker skills beyond the usual formats
Is Courchevel HiLo Right for You
Is Courchevel Hi/Lo Right for You?
If you enjoy games where the action starts right away, Courchevel Hi/Lo is worth a try. It rewards players who can think ahead and navigate both high and low hand possibilities. While it can be challenging for beginners, those who take the time to understand pot odds and split-hand dynamics will find it to be a highly engaging variation.
The best way to learn how to play poker in this format is through experience. Many of the best poker sites offer low-stakes games where you can practise without risking too much.
Courchevel Hi/Lo is a poker variation that adds a layer of excitement and strategy right from the start. By dealing the first community card before betting, the game offers early insights that change decision-making from the very first round.
If you’re eager to try something different from traditional formats, Courchevel Hi/Lo might be the perfect challenge. Many of the best poker sites offer this exciting variant, so why not take a seat and see how your skills stack up?
