If I start with an offsuit 339, shall i continue, how about a 227.

If no to the 339, what pairs in the hole am I playing for the hi pot, such as 99J, do i play this. I just started yesterday and feel like it is better off to push good Hi starting hands, but be more passive with just a low until I hit and realize that there is a third person in there who will add to the pot. I never thought I could enjoy this game so much, it's friggin awesome. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

i'm also a beginner. not sure about 227, but 339 and 99J are definite no-nos. you will almost always play just for the low. the only high hands are 3 high cards to a flush and AA. possible KKJ or KKQ suited. as you can see, there are very few high hands. go for the low, and hope for straights and flushes. and dont play on party!

daniel

339 and 99J are junk and should only be played if you're trying to steal the antes. 227 is very marginal--don't play it for a raise, and get out quickly if you don't get some help quick, or if other peoples' boards start to look dangerous. If you have a high-only hand you want to be up against a worse high-only hand, or a low draw with no chance for high. If you have a high pair against 2 or more people going for low you'll probably want to get out early if they catch good cards on 4th, but if they catch high cards, by all means bet to try to knock them out.

You should be aggressive with your low hands and draws when you have the best low and a chance for high too. Hands that you can get very aggressive with on 4th are things like 2345, or 4 suited low cards when your opponent has a big pair. Also hands like 2275 or 653A are both favourites against a pair of Kings on 4th st because of the two-way potential.

The key to stud 8 (or hi/lo - two different games) is scooping. Don't play hands that you can't scoop with.

The 3 3 9, totally unplayable, even for a steal.
The 9 9 J MAY be playable, depending on your opponents up-cards, their playstyle, and your table image, but only for a ante/bring-in steal. Don't play it slow. EVER!
The 2 2 7 again MAY be playable, depending on the up-cards, and your position from the bring-in (if you are early to act, no, but if late to act, it may be worthwhile to take one off depending on the number of callers.
8)

there's a difference?
is it just the 8 qualifier, or other differences as well?

There is a huge difference in how to play between the two, but I can only comment on Stud 8.

Thank you for the replies, I am really enjoying the game a lot. It seems to be more profitable than holdem just because of variance. Thanks again.

Hold'em's variance or Stud 8's lack of?

party is a fish tank for the non hold'em games, especially hi/lo. just learn to play good strategy and in the long run you can take in a ton from party poker tables.