Poker Strategy

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant variation, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha/8 begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few entrants get confused. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same concept in nearly all poker games.

The lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.

It may seem difficult initially, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha hi/lo offers an overwhelming assortment of wagering choices and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high, along with a few trying for the low hand. If you love a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi low.