Player’s Guide
The 2-11 Poker Player’s Guide
Here are the basics of playing 2-11 Poker.
Each game begins with the normal posting of small and big blinds prior to dealing.
The most important aspect of 2-11 Poker is to remember the following rule prior to dealing of four down cards to each player:
{ Players must use either two or three cards from their four-card hand with any two or three cards from the board to make their best five-card hand }
In 2-11 Poker, each game begins by dealing four down cards to each player, followed by a normal round of betting.
After the betting concludes, the dealer will “flip” two cards up in the center of the table instead of the traditional three-card flop.
After betting concludes, the dealer will continue with a normal turn card and another round of betting followed by the river card and the last round of betting.
Each player shares the four-card community board.
The goal is to make the best five-card hand by using any two or three cards from your hand with any two or three cards from the board.
Hand Strength
Because you can use two or three cards from your hand (rather than the mandatory two as in standard Omaha), very strong hidden hands are possible in 2-11 Poker. You must always keep this in mind.
Starting Hand Suggestions
Your starting hand is stronger when your four cards work together or “with” each other to create multiple possibilities to hit the flip.
Some good suggestions are as follows: high cards, a pair or trips, or your cards are connected and double or triple suited.
Sample Hands
9-7-6-4 offsuit:
This is a minimum playing hand because you’re holding low cards, unconnected, unsuited and you have no pair.
A-8-7-6 with three of a suit:
This is a much stronger hand because you have three cards of the same suit headed by an ace, and three cards are connected.
A-A-10-9 double suited:
This hand is a good starting hand because you have a pair of aces that are suited along with two connected cards.
A-K-Q-Q with three of a suit:
This is an excellent starting hand because you have a pair of aces that are suited along with two connected cards, a triple-suited ace and a pair. It would be even better if the pair was aces, but nonetheless it’s a huge hand!