Omaha Hi Lo Rules
There are many different forms of poker, Omaha Hi – Lo is only one of the many variations. Many experts agree and disagree also on the variations of this game but basically it is a form of Holdem Poker that might not necessarily be the right game for every poker player, but can easily be learned.
In order to play Omaha Hi-lo, it is generally agreed that a player should have an understanding of the basics of bet limit games. This applies to all levels of play, but with an intermediate level of poker knowledge it is essentially relatively easy to grasp the concept of the game.
Firstly it is important to understand that the highest qualifying hand, in other words the hand that holds the highest scoring cards can split the pot with the lowest qualifying hand. So players have got to use 2 of their hole cards with another 3 that are available on the board in order to create a hi and a lo. Any 2 of the players 4 cards may be used to create a hi hand and any two can be used to create the lo hand.
In order to be in the running for the lo part of the pot, cards of 8,7,6,5,4, or less must be used and it is interesting to note that the Ace may play both hi and lo. Incidentally there is also a 3 raise limit on every round and cards speak! A low hand is any five cards lower (and) 8. A,2,3,5,7 for example. Just like Holdem, Omaha Hi-Lo players must put in forced bets, otherwise known as the small blind and the big blind. The small blind is always half of the big blind, with rare exceptions, (.10/.25) for example. Again, similar to Holdem, there are four rounds of betting. The most common form of Omaha Hi/Lo is fixed Limit (you can bet only as much as the low bet at any stage of the hand.)
Card distribution is such that a plastic marker is used, this is known as the “dealer button”. This button is placed in front of a player who would be dealing if there were not a “house dealer” provided. After each game the “dealer button” is moved one place clockwise. The betting and card distribution takes place to the left of the position of the “button.”
1. The person to the left of the dealer puts out the small blind, and the person to the small blind’s left puts in the Big Blind. (Any antes would have already been taken) Every player that’s at the table is dealt four face-down “hole” cards.
2. The action is given to the person to the left of the Big Blind, who can fold, call, or raise. Each player gets a turn in a clockwise rotation, with the big blind going last.
3. Three cards are now dealt face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the flop, which is the first three of five community cards that all players can share. Now the first player to the dealer button’s left, who’s still in the hand, acts first.
4. After all remaining players have had their turn; a fourth community card is dealt face-up. This is called the turn, or Fourth Street. Another round of betting ensues.
5. Finally the last community card is dealt face-up. This is called the river, or Fifth Street. A final round of betting is done.
6. All remaining players that are still in the hand show their cards, and the best 5 card hand (using 2 hole cards, and 3 community cards), wins the pot. (highest and or lowest hands.)
