Omaha Strategy

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering follows where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting follows at which point the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many entrants can get baffled. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.

A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

Although it seems difficult initially, after a few hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting range of wagering choices and because you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as several battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha hi lo.