Omaha Strategy

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.

Omaha hi/low begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A round of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting happens and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many entrants often get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same approach in just about all poker games.

The lower hand is more complicated, 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 could be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem difficult at the outset, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing array of betting options and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, and a few trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.