The major strategy difference between conventional Seven-Card Stud and the Hi-Lo game is that in calculating the pot odds it is often correct to consider only half the value of the pot in a Hi-Lo or split pot game. A win of a half-pot may barely cover the expense of playing the hand. Experienced players, therefore, aggressively pursue only those hands that have a good chance of scooping the pot. Like all other forms of poker, it is essential not to wind up holding losing cards. Violating this principle in a Hi-Lo game is doubly important. As soon as it looks bleak for scooping the pot, exit, unless the hand is the nuts for one of the half-pots.

In addition to watching for aces and faces in the board cards of other players (as usual), also monitor fives and fours. They can be tips that a dangerous low hand is in progress.

As in all seven-card stud games, the first four cards are critical in forming a winning hand. The same principles apply to Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo. Watch out for a door card that may be paired with a hole card to create a possible set later one. Bet all playable hands rather than check them. Slow play draw hands. High pairs are better than draw hands when it's heads up play at the end. Exit if someone else shows a card you've been looking for.

Unlike Seven-Card Stud Lo (Razz), tight and patient play may not generate the same advantages, as the "waiting game" for the low end may be very inappropriate for the high end of the pot. The betting behavior more appropriate to Hi games (in which your strong-ish hand might cause you to be aggressive so as to shoo away the draw hands) will probably be called for in Hi-Lo as well. Remember that the objective is not to win the low pot. It is not to win the high pot either. The objective is to win both. This may cause you to fold more often and hold out for more useful cards. The paydays may not be so frequent, but they should be a bit richer.