The "House Way" is the casino's standard method for setting hands. Learning these rules is essential for optimal play.
Basic House Way Rules:
No Pair
Put the highest card in the 5-card hand, second and third highest in the 2-card hand.
One Pair
Keep the pair in the high hand, put the two highest remaining cards in the low hand.
Two Pair
Strategy depends on the strength of pairs:
- • High pairs (JJ+): Usually split
- • Medium pairs (77-TT): Split if no Ace
- • Low pairs (22-66): Keep together unless other pair is high
Three of a Kind
Keep three of a kind in high hand unless it's three Aces (split: pair in high, Ace in low).
Straights and Flushes
Always keep in the high hand unless you can make a strong low hand.
Four of a Kind
Strategy varies by rank:
- • Aces-Kings: Always split (pair/pair)
- • Queens-Jacks: Split unless Ace for low hand
- • 2s-6s: Never split