Considered to be the most popular split pot poker game on the Internet, Omaha Hi Lo, which is also known as Omaha 8 and Omaha 8 or better, can be confusing to players new to it. Learning the rules of Omaha Poker and how it is different from Omaha Hi Lo is your first step to creating your strategy and style of play.

 

There are numerous tips and tactics that you may utilize in this game.  We're going to look at three online poker strategies for Omaha Hi Lo, including best starting hands, when not to go low after the flop and when to simply fold. Knowing how to use each of these strategies will help you conserve your chips, be more competitive and stay in the game longer.

 

Best Starting Hi Lo Hands

It's important to understand that many top players believe that the key to any winning hand in this card game is having an ace in the hole. The ace is essential because it is the best card in both the Hi and Lo hands.

 

The best hole cards in Omaha Hi Lo AA23 double-suited. From the start, this hand gives you the possibility of winning the Hi pot, Lo pot or both. The other top seven hands are A234; AAxx; A2xx,; A345; A36K,; 2345,; and KQ23. All of these opening hands give you the opportunity to pull a winning hand from the community cards.

 

 

Not all hands that have an ace are good. The A3xx may look promising, but it's rife with problems since the 3 could pair up on the flop or be totally wasted after the flop. Neither is acceptable. And the fact that you have two variable cards, neither of which give you any help, means you're in essence playing with one strong card, the ace, and the five community cards.

 

Going Lo After the Flop

Too often, players chase after the Lo hand when, after the flop, they still need two more cards. In order to go for the Lo after the flop, you should have four of five best low cards. That would be four of the cards from ace through six. Trying to catch two low cards on the turn and river is a high odds move.

 

When to Fold

Should you fold on the pre-flop if you don't have an ace? To do so all the time would be extreme. If you have two of a kind and an inkling that you could go either Hi or Lo or both, then stick with your hand. Follow this course especially if before the flop there's just one round of betting at the minimum wager.

 

If you have a high pair, then stay for the flop. You might capture the Hi pot. Hole cards that will often be your undoing are the middling ones, such as if you're holding the following-369K. You might be able to make something out of that but Omaha Hi Lo strategy dictates you should fold with such a hand. Additionally, remember that a Lo run cannot have any card higher than an eight.  That means that A2349 means nothing in this game.

 

Staying in the Game

Omaha Hi Lo strategy demands disciplined play that's based on understanding which hands give you the best chance of winning the low pot and which work against going low. With this game, which is very popular in Internet poker rooms, use the online poker strategies outlined above. They will keep you in the game.