poker school
lesson 20: omaha 8 or better (Hi/Low)
Welcome back to your next lesson. Now that we know the way the game is structured we are going to focus on the strategy and concepts of how this game is played. Enjoy the lesson.
Omaha 8 or better is right behind Texas Hold'em as far as popularity goes throughout the poker world. The main reason for the popularity of this game is because you have the ability to play many more hands as you are dealt four pocket cards instead of the typical two. As a result, this game generates a lot more action, and in turn that translates into big pots. Playing for big pots is every player's ideal situation.
Omaha 8 or better is a high-low split game, which means that half of each pot is awarded to the player with the best high-hand, and half of the pot is awarded to the player with the best low hand, if a low hand qualifies. In order for a hand to qualify for the low half of the pot it takes a five card hand with different numerical values from ace thru eight (with ace being the lowest). The player with the lowest high card will win the low hand. However, if there no players hand qualifies for the low, the player with the high hand will take home the whole pot. On the other hand, there is no qualifying on the high side. The best high hand automatically wins half the pot.
When you are trying to qualify a low hand in Omaha 8 or better you need to have at least an eight low (which means you do not have a card higher than an eight in your hand) in order to have a chance at winning the low half of the pot. An eight low means that you have five low cards, and the highest of your cards is an eight and no two of your five cards are paired. A seven low signifies that you have five low cards that are seven or less. A six low means you have five low cards that consist of six or less. A five low is the best possible low hand and it is called a "wheel". The wheel looks like this: 5-4-3-2-A. The wheel also counts as a straight high (Aces in this game can be used as either, the lowest possible card or the highest possible card). When playing Omaha eight, the wheel is one of the best hands you can make. Remember the player with the five lowest cards wins the hand. Keep in mind that the player that holds the low hand is only rewarded half of the pot (if it qualifies). The entire pot is awarded to the best high hand if no one in the pot is able to make a low hand. Another possibility for the pot to only be awarded to the high hand is if the board does not represent a low. For example, if the board is 3-3-6-6-9, then no low is possible. In this situation there are not three unpaired cards eight or under on the board which means that no low is possible. Likewise, if the board is 3-3-4-4-3 again no low is possible. In this example all five cards are low cards but only two of them are unpaired, just one of the threes and one of the fours.
It is important to know that straights and flushes do not count against you when qualifying for the "low". Also, you are permitted to use different cards in your hand for the "high" side and different cards for the "low" side or the same cards for both the "high" and "low" sides.
In case two or more players "tie" for one side of the pot, they will split that half into equally divided portions. If there is an odd chip(s), it will go to the person closest to the left of the "button". One player winning the "high" side and two players who tie for the "low" side is not uncommon in this game.
Well that is it for this lesson. Omaha 8 or better is an exciting game and it is gaining a lot of momentum with players around the world. Like we said in the beginning it can be a little difficult to make the switch from Hold'em to Omaha, but once you have it figured out you will enjoy playing this brand of poker. We'll see you guys next time.
good luck and enjoy your experiences at the poker tables
