Playing Hi-Lo, also known as High Low, can be an exciting game of chance that offers the thrill of gambling without breaking the bank. This simple game of guessing whether the next card drawn will be higher or lower than the previous card has caught on at casinos and now online at Admiral Bet. While Hi-Lo includes an element of luck, having some strategies up your sleeve can increase your odds and payouts. Read on to unlock the secrets to upping your Hi-Lo game and scoring more wins.
Understanding Hi-Lo Basics
Before diving into strategic play, you’ll want to ensure you comprehend the fundamentals. Hi-Lo is played with a standard 52-card deck, with numbered cards holding their face value. Face cards count as 10 points. An ace is counted as just 1 point.
Here’s how a round works:
- The dealer draws one card and places it face up. This is the starter card.
- Players then bet on whether they think the next card will be higher or lower than the starter card.
- The dealer draws the next card and reveals it.
- If the second card is higher than the first, those who bet “higher” win. If it’s lower, “lower” bets win. The same cards are a push.
Payouts depend on the odds. For example, if the starter card is a 7, there are 4 cards lower and 4 cards higher, so both bets pay even money. But if the starter is a King, there are 12 cards lower but only 3 higher paying 4:1 and 1:3 odds respectively.
While it may seem totally random, implementing some savvy strategies can expand your advantage.
Hone Your Prediction Skills
Getting better at predicting whether the next card will fall higher or lower involves understanding probabilities. When the starter card is in the middle range, like a 7, you have roughly even odds of the next card being lower or higher.
But you can swing odds in your favor with extreme starter cards. If the first card is low like a 3, there are many more higher cards remaining in the deck so betting “higher” is the wise choice. The opposite goes for a starter card at the higher end like a King. Betting “lower” then gives you an edge.
You can go a step further by considering which cards have already appeared. For example, if you see multiple low number cards dealt in previous rounds, your chances of getting dealt another low card drop. Take all factors into account when deciding higher or lower.
Leverage Side Bets
Many Hi-Lo games now offer additional side bets click here to spice up the action. Popular ones include:
- Same Card Bet: Wagering the next card will match the first
- Suit Bet: Betting the next card will be the same suit
- Red/Black Bet: Gambling on the color of the next card
These side bets feature higher payouts, up to 25:1 in some cases, allowing you to parlay your main bets into bigger potential wins.
The key is only taking side bets selectively when you feel conditions tilt the odds in your favor. For instance, if the first card is a 7 of Hearts, betting the next card will also be Hearts offers decent 3:1 odds since 13 cards of that suit remain. Let the starter card guide which side bets to jump into.
Know When to Hold Back
No matter how skilled at predictions you become, luck still plays a role. There will be rounds where all logic points towards the next card being higher but a lower one gets flipped over anyway. When you hit these cold streaks, don’t let emotion take over.
Many players increase wagers to try to quickly win back losses. But obsessively chasing winnings or losses by betting bigger is a recipe for disaster. Have the discipline to walk away temporarily when things aren’t going your way. You want to quit while you’re ahead most days.
It also helps to set a gambling budget before playing and stick to it. Only bring what you can afford to potentially lose. Remember the golden rule – the house always has an advantage in casino games like Hi-Lo.
Evaluation Your Results
As with any casino game, collecting data on your Hi-Lo sessions reveals what works and what doesn’t. Tracking key stats over multiple playing periods lets you hone strategies. Relevant factors to track include:
|
Date Played |
Number of Rounds |
Starting Card |
Higher/Lower Guess |
Correct/Incorrect |
Payout |
|
1/5 |
15 |
8 |
Higher |
Correct |
$20 |
Crunching these numbers helps identify any weak points in your guesses or bets. You can course correct going forward. Over time, fine tuning based on trends may incrementally bump up your payout rates.
Implementing some or all the tips above gives you an added leg up to amplify your success rate and profits. Just remember that while skill counts, luck plays a role too. Have fun testing strategies but avoid chasing losses that will only set you back further. Stick to your budget and walk away when you’ve reached your limit – regardless of whether you’re up or down.
Follow these secrets to playing smarter Hi-Lo. Your bankroll will thank you!
