What Does One-Way Straight Mean in Poker?
A One-Way Straight is a poker hand formation where a player has a sequence of five consecutive cards, but it can only form a straight in one direction. This is typically relevant in games with a hi-lo split or similar rules where straights can be considered both high and low. Learn how to play poker online effectively by mastering hand rankings.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term One-Way Straight
In games like Omaha Hi-Lo or Razz, where the goal might include forming low hands, the term “One-Way Straight” could be used when discussing hands that only qualify for high straights, not low.
In-Game Example
In Omaha Hi-Lo, you hold 89TJ and the board is 76542. You have a high straight (6-7-8-9-T) but no low hand, making it a “One-Way Straight.”
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Understand the hand rankings in high-low games to determine when a hand is truly beneficial as a one-way straight.
- Common Mistake: Misjudging the value of a one-way straight in split pot games, thinking it has low potential when it does not.
- Pro Tips: In high-low games, focus on scoop opportunities but recognize when a one-way straight can still be profitable, especially in high-only pots.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online play often involves more aggressive betting, so recognizing the strength of your one-way straight in high-only situations can influence your strategy significantly.
Alternative names
None commonly used.
FAQs
Q: Can a One-Way Straight ever qualify for both high and low in a split game?
A: No, by definition, a One-Way Straight can only qualify for high or low, not both.
