Hi-Lo, or High-Low, is a popular card game with a simple set of rules. The goal of the game is to predict whether the next card to be dealt will be higher or lower than the previous one. If you make a correct prediction, you get a payout, but if you guess wrong, you lose.
This game is ideal for beginners as it has a simple gameplay structure. However, experienced players are also attracted to Hi-Lo because of its fast pace and decision-making element. Curiously enough, it is also one of the most widely played drinking games. Despite this, there are Hi-Lo strategies that will allow you to improve your odds and optimize your playstyle.
In the following sections, we will look at the rules, odds, and payouts of the Hi-Lo game.
Hi-Lo Rules
Let’s explain the basic rules of Hi-Lo. First, the player places a bet on the table, and the dealer deals a face-up card. Next, the player must predict whether the next card to be dealt will be higher or lower than the face-up card.
If the prediction is correct, the player wins the indicated payout, but if they are wrong, the bet is lost, and the next round begins. Payouts for guessing cards in a streak increase, meaning that the more correct picks you take in a row, the higher your winnings will be.
However, it is important to remember that one wrong guess results in the loss of the entire bet. Success ultimately depends on your approach and the specific Hi-Lo strategies you use. At any time, you have the opportunity to cash out and get your winnings, which are determined by the multiplier of the last stage.
It is worth noting that Hi-Lo payouts are non-fixed and depend on the face-up card. This is because the probability varies depending on the value of the face-up card. The higher the probability, the lower the payout. When playing online, you will be provided with the probability of each outcome before making a decision.
For example, if the base card is a three, chances are high that the next card will be higher, which leads to a smaller payout compared to the result with a lower card. Betting “Lower” with a deuce leaves only one possibility of a successful outcome – an Ace – which leads to a much higher payout compared to betting the other way around.
Below is an example of a Hi-Lo chart showing payouts for specific actions with certain cards. Payouts may vary from game to game depending on the rules used.
Hi-Lo Payouts Chart
Hi-Lo Strategies
If you want to succeed at Hi-Lo, it’s important to approach the game with a strategic mindset. Whether you are inclined to take significant risks or prefer a more methodical and patient approach, there are several strategies you can adopt. If you are interested in live Hi-Lo strategies, you may simply follow the same recommendations, as the game rules remain the same regardless of the specific game mode.
Low-Risk Hi-Lo Strategy
This Hi-Lo strategy emphasizes the importance of small but consistent wins for long-term success. By focusing on less risky options with higher Hi-Lo odds and lower payouts, you can minimize your chances of losing a round.
Many players prefer to quit after winning two or three cards. Remember that taking care of small winnings can eventually lead to big ones, so don’t underestimate the power of this approach.
High-Risk Hi-Lo Strategy
For those ready to take big risks, Hi-Lo provides an opportunity to hit a jackpot by collecting as many cards as possible. The more cards you collect, the higher your potential payout will be.
However, the number of cards you collect is only part of the equation. If you can correctly guess a series of cards with low probability, such as five cards in a row, you can get a significant multiplier to your initial bet.
This Hi-Lo strategy involves calculated risk-taking with multiple bets in pursuit of a larger payout. Persistence is the key, but it’s important to keep an eye on your balance and risk only what you’re comfortable with. Remember, the ultimate goal is the big win you’ve been dreaming of.
Martingale System as Hi-Lo Strategy
You can also apply popular betting strategies, such as the Martingale system, for betting on even money. Here is what we mean:
- To minimize risk, start with the lowest possible bet
- Stick to the same bet in each round until you lose
- After losing, double your bet
- In case of consecutive losses, keep doubling your bet in each round
- If you win, you will recoup your previous losses and make a small profit
- After winning, start again with the initial bet and repeat the same process
Remember that no strategy can guarantee success, so always play within your means and be mindful of your budget.
Hi-Lo General Tips
While there is no guaranteed way to win, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you improve your odds at Hi-Lo.
- First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game. This will help you make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Also, before you start betting for real money, it is worth practicing playing for free, as this will give you a chance to get familiar with the gameplay and betting style.
- It’s worth noting that Hi-Lo payouts may vary from round to round, so it’s important to check the odds before placing your bets.
- When choosing an online casino to play, make sure it is a reputable operator with a good selection of games.
Bankroll Management
When you play Hi-Lo for real money, it is important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and not get carried away at the most crucial moment. In addition, you may want to consider playing with a bonus offer to maximize your playing time and potential winnings.
- The goal of bankroll management is to preserve funds while maximizing the chances of winning. To do this, players must first determine their total bankroll for the game and then divide it into smaller, manageable units, such as a percentage of the total or a fixed amount per session.
- Players should also set a maximum bet size and stick to it, so they don’t risk too much of their bankroll on a single bet or game.
- Managing the bankroll also involves being aware of the risks and odds associated with different bets, which is perfectly illustrated in Hi-Lo strategies. Players should avoid chasing losses and be prepared to quit if they reach a predetermined loss limit.
Overall, proper bankroll management can help players gamble responsibly, minimize losses, and maximize their chances of winning over time.
Card Skipping
When playing Hi-Lo, the casino may offer you a card-skipping option, which can be a useful tool for minimizing your risk and increasing your odds of winning. With this feature, you can discard a card you’re not comfortable with and choose a different one instead.
The card-skipping option is usually located next to the main card, and while there may be a limit to the number of cards you can skip (usually around 50), your streak payout won’t be affected. Essentially, you simply remove a card from your deck and predict the outcome of the next card.
Hi-Lo Games You Can Play Online
You will often see Bitcoin Hi-Lo at crypto casinos as part of their in-house game series. Indeed, Hi-Lo is a really simple game, so it perfectly fits these collections.
However, Hi-Lo for Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, or traditional real money can also be found in the collections of some well-known providers. Such games are represented in most online casinos, so it makes sense to discuss them in detail.
Draw High Low by Nucleus Gaming
This Hi-Lo variation is great for beginners since it is not overloaded with excessive features. You get a card and need to guess whether the next card is higher or lower. Potential multipliers are indicated on the left and right sides of the table.
An intriguing feature of Draw High Low is a tie bet. This bet pays if the value of the next card matches the one that is placed on the table. The payout for the tie bet is 10:1.
Additionally, you can control the card deal animation speed using the buttons at the bottom right of the screen.
Draw High Low by Nucleus Gaming
Hi-Lo Switch by BGaming
Hi-Lo Switch is an exciting variation of the classic Hi-Lo card game that you can play online. Unlike the standard version, in Hi-Lo Switch, you’ll be dealing with three cards in your hand at once. The goal is to correctly guess whether the next card is higher or lower than the current card in order to move on to the next card.
So, the rules are standard. However, this is a much more advanced variation of the same game and, in our opinion, the best version of Hi-Lo available online today. There are several reasons for that.
- The first thing that catches your eye is the presence of three cards on the table instead of one. You can bet on any of them, which greatly alleviates the hassle of restarting the round.
- If you get to the point when there are no cards left that you would like to play, you may switch three of them at once. Hence the name of the game, Hi-Lo Switch. This switch can be performed twice per round. Importantly, the multiplier accumulated to that point stays intact. This is a handy feature when playing Hi-Lo with a strategy, whether it’s a low-risk or high-risk strategy.
- The potential payout for each possible decision is indicated next to each card. This makes it easy to choose the appropriate step depending on whether you’re chasing a large or small multiplier.
Hi-Lo Switch by BGaming
Where Can I Play Hi-Lo with a Strategy and Win?
Hi-Lo is a classic card game that you will find in most online casinos and crypto casinos. However, we recommend exercising caution when choosing a casino to play Hi-Lo, as the wide availability of this game implies that you may face gambling platforms of different levels and quality.
We, in turn, suggest you consider LTC Casino due to the following unique benefits:
- Hi-Lo for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies;
- Hi-Lo Switch and other game variations from popular providers;
- Play from anywhere in the world with no restrictions;
- Anonymous Hi-Lo;
- Instant withdrawals.
In addition, LTC Casino offers you an extensive collection of other table games and card games for crypto that you can also play using all sorts of strategies assembled on our website.
Hi-Lo Strategies FAQ
What is Hi-Lo?
Hi-Lo is a casino card game that can be played in land-based casinos and online. Players bet on the next card to be dealt: either higher or lower.
How to play Hi-Lo?
To play Hi-Lo, you bet on whether the next card dealt is higher or lower than the base card. Check this page for a step-by-step guide on how to play Hi-Lo.
Does card counting work in Hi-Lo online?
No, online versions of Hi-Lo use expanded decks that are shuffled after each round, which eliminates the possibility of successful card counting.
What is the RTP of Hi-Lo?
The RTP of Hi-Lo games usually ranges from 96% to 98%.
Where can I play the Hi-Lo card game for free?
You can play Hi-Lo for free and without registration at LTC Casino. Just open the games above to try out Hi-Lo strategies without making a deposit. You can sign up and start playing Hi-Lo for cryptocurrency whenever you feel like it.
Can I play Hi-Lo with Bitcoin?
Yes, Bitcoin Hi-Lo is one of the most popular game variations in today’s online gambling space, just like crypto Hi-Lo in general.