Omaha Hi-Lo is very similar to regular Omaha with a few very distinct differences. This is definitely a much more complex game as you have to consider a ton of different things. This subtle chances to the format of the game lead to drastic changes in the strategy that should be used while playing. In this article, I will articulate the main differences between the tradition game and this variation upon it.
First we will discuss the basic rules of the game. The game begins with two players posting blinds. A big blind is posted by the player sitting two left of the dealer and the smaller blind, half of the big blind, is posted by the player to the immediate left of the dealer. The big blind marks the minimum bet that must be made by all players if they wish to stay in the game. Once the blinds have been posted the cards are now ready to be dealt.
After the blinds have been posted the dealer will deal each player four cards face down. These cards can only be seen by the player and are often referred to as the “hole” cards. Once everyone has received their card a round of betting ensues in which each player much choose whether they wish to call the big blind, bet more, or fold. The betting for this first round begins with the player to the immediate left of the big blind. Once everyone has had a chance to bet the dealer will “flop” three cards onto the middle of the table. These are community cards that are to be used by everyone. Once these cards are revealed players bet again but this time the betting begins with the first remaining player to the immediate left of the dealer. After this round of betting is complete another card is dealt face up in the middle of the board and is known as the “river”. Players bet again and this is followed by the last card, or the “turn.” After the turn players bet one last time and then reveal their cards and announce a winner.
Decided the winner is where things get intermediating. The object of the game is to create either the best hand possible, the worst hand possible, or both. The player with the best five card poker hand will automatically win half the pot. All hands must be created by using two cards from your hole cards and three cards off the board with no exceptions. The other half of the pot is awarded to the lo hand if one qualifies. A lo hand simply consist of five cards all under the value of eight, aces included. The lowest the highest number of these lo cards the better the hand. If a lo hand is not made by anyone, which can very well happen, then the person with the highest hand receives the entire pot.
