Omaha Hi Lo Poker (8s or better) - General strategy

The following is list of guidelines that should be learned and applied when playing Omaha eight-or-better

1. Think about the low hand

The most significant differences between Omaha Hi-Lo and standard high-only Omaha Poker arise from the additional dimension created by the division of the pot between a high winner and a low winner.

2. Play hands containing ace-deuce, ace-trey or four big cards.

Hands that include ace-deuce or ace-trey are usually playable, although an ace-trey with nothing else should usually be thrown away from an early position. Four big cards is also a good starting hand, and they are exceptionally good when a pair is involved

3. In late position, you can play some weaker hands in an un-raised pot.

Acting last provides you with an opportunity to win more money when you get a lucky flop. This means that you should play some weaker hands from a late position, as long as you can get in cheaply and your hand has some value.

4. Don’t play medium sized cards.

The problem with playing medium sized cards is that you cant make the nuts, barring an occasional; exception. In addition, when you flop what looks like a good hand, you are usually putting out some low cards. As a result, you’re likely at best to split the pot.

5. To continue playing on the flop, you need either the nuts or a draw at the nuts.

As in standard Omaha, the best possible hand is often out in Omaha eight-or-better, especially for low. This means that drawing to a trey-deuce low where there is not an ace on board can be expensive. So unless you flop to the nuts or a draw to the nuts, you should abandon your hand.

6. High hands lose value against low hands.

Once three low cards appear on board, your high hand has lost most of its value. Not only will someone with a low win half the pot but you can lose the high to a straight as well. For instance, suppose you have a pair of eights in your hand and an eight flops, along with two other cards. Although you now have trips, it’s probable that an opponent either already has made a straight has a straight draw. Here therefore, you do not have a strong hand.

7. Turn your cards face up when the hand is over.

Many hands are difficult to read in Omaha eight –or –better, especially if you are new to the game. By allowing the dealer to read you hand, you will not mistakenly discard the winner.