How to Play Omaha Hi/Lo

Poker's popularity is leading the way for people to learn more games than the generally favored Texas Hold'em. Many of the pros have already had plenty of experience in other games, but with more and more people learning to play the new games, competition will soon rise. Omaha Hi/Lo is no exception to the popularity boom. The Hi/Lo concept is what tends to scare people, but when it makes sense they will soon love the game.

Omaha Hi/Lo is a variation of Omaha. Like Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo is dealt out with four whole cards face down for each players hand. Each player looks at their hand and doesn't show any. The first round of betting begins before any cards are dealt as community cards. You may use two and you must use two of your whole cards to make a Hi hand. You may also use two and you must use two of your whole cards to make a Lo hand. A Lo hand is the lowest high card of five cards all being 8 or lower, ace is lowest. The Hi hand is the highest possible five cards with accordance to any poker game. Once the first round of betting is over, the dealer burns one card face down and reveals the next three as a flop.

These are community cards and can be used with your two to make any possible hand. The betting begins to the left of the dealer after the flop is seen. After the bets are made, the dealer burns another card face down and reveals once card as the turn. Another round of betting and the dealer burns another face down and reveals the last community card, the river. The last round of betting ensues and then wining hands will be determined. Half the pot goes to the highest hand. Half the pot goes to the lowest hand of 8 or lower, straights have no hand value in Lo hands just the face value of the cards matter. The best Lo hand in Omaha Hi/Lo is A 2 3 4 5, where as the very best Hi hand is A K Q J 10 suited which is a royal flush.

Omaha is an intriguing game of strategy and luck. It is a gambler's game. Hi/Lo adds a different element to the game and how it should be played to be successful. Practice makes perfect and a little beginner's luck never hurt anyone.