The following are the basic minimum "stays" on the first round in a seven-card high-low cards speak game:

(a) Any three to a seven.
(b) Three to an eight under the following circumstances:
1. with an ace and another card five or lower;
2. with an ace and two to an ace-flush;
3. with three to a flush.

(c) Three to a nine with either:
1. an ace, the third card five or lower, and two to an ace
flush;

2. three to a flush. (In a conservative game the hands in category (c) should
be folded.)

(d) Any three to a flush, with two cards six or lower. (e) A pair of aces and a low card.
(f) Three aces. (Note: This three-of-a-kind has a special position because of its extra advantage as a high hand, because some chance for low is maintained, and because it is defensive against other players making especially good low hands. However, be prepared to fold quickly if the possibilities of straights against you develop.)

These requirements should be relaxed only if it becomes clear that the game is a loose one. In general, the winning strategy at cards speak is to be one notch more conservative (in hands played at the early stages) than the rest of the game. Thus, in a tight game, stick to the (mathematically sound) standards set down above. If it becomes obvious that almost all of the players are two steps removed from these standards (e.g., they play on three to a nine) then you may move your own standards one step in that direction (e.g., play with three to an eight).