Omaha Strategies

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha hi lo starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few entrants often get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. 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 approach in just about all poker games.

The low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as 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 below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.

It may seem difficult at the start, after a few rounds you will be able to get the base subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming range of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.