Need some tactical advice on playing Anaconda (or ‘pass the garbage’) - anybody play this variation who can offer some advice? Or perhaps point me to a web site?  Someone has introduced this variation into my regular Thursday night game and I’m losing a lot of money playing it!

If you’re playing hi-low and 54 is the perfect, never go in with less than a boat or a 6 low after the pass. If there’s much pre pass betting never go in with less than two pair, trips (keep a medium kicker not an Ace) and only try to pull one for a low, but never bet on getting a 5 or 6.

Answer 2:

Definitely be prepared to fold a lot…I only play low if i have low nuts, or a very close proximity. As for high, its anyone’s guess what it’s going to be. This is where knowing your competitors come in handy. The one thing I always try and do, though, is constantly screw the person who is after me. I give him high cards, then low cards, then high cards again (or vice versa). This way you know at least he’s screwed, and if he gets screwed hopefully it will affect the whole table.

Answer 3:

Draw to a lot of flushes.

-Expect to miss them all

-passing 3 of one suit lessens the odds of giving up a flush believe it or not.

-a *lot* of hands go to flushes so consider you high card very carefully.

-Anytime you opponent gives you pretty cards is as good as having high cards showing, since the prick will more than likely advertise the fact for you.

-straights are worthless can be tough because if an opponent gives you a pair then he has very good cards and your boat may be no good.

-Put a lot more emphasis on what you hold than what you give up-you have no idea what he wants.

-I saw AAAA lose once

-since one hand may go to two pair, and the next to a straight-flush: consider your relative position and use it!

-You must learn to fold.

-ONLY bluff heads up!

-bluff a lot heads up.

-Take all of this advice and bend it to fit your opponents.