Omaha Hi Lo Poker

In the world of Poker, with Texas Hold’em arguably being the most popular variation of the game, Omaha Hi Lo Poker runs a close second.  The reason that this variation is so popular lies in the twist of the game. In this variation, players are dealt four hole cards in the initial deal versus the two received in Texas Hold’em. This simply adds to the excitement of the game because with so many hands, the stakes are higher and the winnings bigger. Omaha Hi Lo Poker is an exciting, action packed variation of Omaha Poker.   

The basic rules of Omaha Hi Lo Poker go as such: 

Players are dealt four hole cards and they then share the five community cards.

The community cards are the ones that are dealt face up.  

Players use two of those hole cards and three of the community cards to form the best hand possible. There are two forms of Omaha Hi Lo games. Limit Omaha 8 means that there is a limit on the bets placed in each game with on each betting round. Pot Limit Omaha 8 means that players are allowed to bet whatever is in the pot. 

Within your hand, you are trying to form the best high or low hand — or both. The best high hand automatically wins some of the pot and if no one has the better low hand, the high hand can win all of the pot. However, unlike the high hand, players must qualify for the low hand by having no cards; within the five each player has, higher than eight. If players have straights or flushes in their hand, this is not a penalty.  

Basically, the person who has the best “low” hand is the player with the lowest high card. For example, a combo that would result in the best possible scenario for the low hand is Ace, 2, 3, 4, and 5.  

Getting the gist of Omaha Hi Lo Poker sounds more difficult than it actually is to play. It is a community card game and players are simply attempting to get the best high hand with five cards as possible. At the same time, they are attempting to get the best low hand with the hole and community cards. Just keep in mind when played, especially online, that the rules may vary in relation to strategy, different rules or types of play. Players should be mindful to check when entering a game that the basic rules of the game are observed. 

I have found some great Omaha Hi Lo Poker games at IGotPoker.com. I have been playing there for a while now. Check out my recent IGotPoker Room review now! Once you join you will see why I love playing their so much.

Have a question, general feedback or want to find out more about various online poker tournaments?  Email me at 911poker@1800-sports.com   I would love to hear from you.

Be sure to check out our online poker rooms and more poker articles from Bones McCoy.    

Bones McCoy, www.gambling911.com