it is a five card game. Most seven card games allow using best five to make a low and then best five to make a high, even if they are different cards, but only from the seven dealt.

I see your point that a pair of "1's" are lower than a pair of "8's" but once the aces pair, collectively they are high. It is interesting to note that in Pai Gow poker, a a "Wheel" (ace - five) which is normaly the lowest straight one can get, is the second highest ranking straight. It beats a straight that is nine - king.

I hope this helps.

Jim