Omaha Hi-Lo, also known as Omaha 8 or Better, is a popular variant of the poker game Omaha. It is often played as a split-pot game, meaning the pot is divided between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand. The game combines elements of both high-hand and low-hand poker, making it an exciting and strategic game to play.
Here are the key rules and aspects of Omaha Hi-Lo:
Hole Cards: Each player is dealt four private cards (hole cards), which they use in combination with the community cards to make their best high and low hands.
Community Cards: Five community cards are dealt face-up on the “board.”
Hand Requirements: In order to qualify for the low half of the pot, a player’s low hand must meet specific requirements, typically having five unpaired cards, each with a value of 8 or lower. Straights and flushes do not count against the low hand.
Pot Split: At the showdown, the pot is split into two parts: one for the best high hand and one for the best low hand. If a single player has the best high and low hands, they win the entire pot (a “scoop”).
High Hand: The high hand is determined using the standard hand rankings of traditional poker. A royal flush is the highest-ranking hand.
Low Hand: The low hand is determined based on the specific low hand ranking, where the best possible low hand is A-2-3-4-5 (a “wheel”). Note that straights and flushes do not count against the low hand, and aces can be used as both high and low cards.
Scooping: Players can aim to win both the high and low halves of the pot, which is called “scooping.” This requires having the best high and low hands at the showdown.
Qualifying Low Hand: Not all low hands qualify for the low half of the pot. If no players have a qualifying low hand (8 or better), the entire pot goes to the player with the best high hand.
Omaha Hi-Lo is a game that requires a good understanding of hand rankings, pot odds, and the complexities of playing both high and low hands simultaneously. It’s a popular game in both cash games and tournament formats. As with any poker variant, strategy, position, and reading your opponents are key elements to being successful in Omaha Hi-Lo.