Omaha Hi-Low

Firstly, this game should really be played by someone who has some basic knowledge of poker. There is no need to be an expert, just start with Omaha or some other variation first. The wait will be well worth it.

The major difference of Omaha Hi-Low to other poker games is that two hands share the pot, the highest and lowest – hence the name.

The dealing and beating sequences are the same as in regular Omaha, as follows:

Object:

• To make the best or worst possible hand from four pocket cards and up to five communal cards.
• The hand consists of five cards, two from the pocket cards and three from communal cards.

Pocket Cards – Private cards dealt face down to each player.
Communal Cards – Cards placed face up on the table, that every player uses to complete his hand.

Betting:

• Bets are made after each round.
• A player may fold, call, check or raise.
• Depending on house rules (or room rules online) bets may be limited.

Fold – Leaves the round. When a player has a weak hand and, for whatever reason, decides it is not the time to bluff.
Call – Equals the amount of the bet. If there are only two players in the round, this ensures the end of the round or a showdown (revealing cards to see who wins). This is also true for any amount of players provided no one has raised.
Check – This is only an option when there is no need for a player to place a bet or call in order to stay in the round. This occurs when if player A has placed a bet and no one else has raised. Player A is then entitled to check.
Raise – Equal an opponent’s bet and add a further amount on top of that.

To guarantee there is always money to be won, all poker games (when playing for real money) have a system of placing cash in the pot before any cards are dealt.

• Blinds – The two players left of the dealer provide the cash. These are considered bets. The amount is set, but may increase as the game proceeds. The player to the immediate left of the dealer places the small blind, the player to the left of him or her places the big blind. Generally speaking – the small blind is half the amount of the big blind.
• Antes – A set amount that all players contribute to the pot before commencing play.
Betting Limits – These vary from casino to casino and poker room to poker room. Large sites have numerous options. A typical setup for Omaha Hi-Low is:

1. Only three raises per round.
2. Minimum bet is equal to the big blind.
3. Maximum bet/raise is predetermined. (Sometimes betting is also limited to set amount. For example, you can only bet or raise $5.)

However, there are endless options available and there is an internet games room to suit everyone.

Important:

In Omaha Hi-Low flushes and straights do not count for lowest hands. Therefore, a flush or straight of Ace to five is a great hand, as it is has a good chance to win the whole pot (being simultaneously the weakest and strongest hand).

Enough descriptions – go out there and play. Start in practice mode, or five cent games while you’re learning the ropes. And oh, have fun.