Even though poker games have similar rules, playing and winning in Omaha Hi/Lo requires somewhat different approach and another gaming style. As in this game you can win with both highest hand and lowest hand, Omaha players need to be very attentive and focused during a game. This game is not good for rather impatient people. If you cannot stay careful, you will soon be left out of money.
This article is an attempt to gather Omaha Hi/Lo poker tips. They will be useful either for beginners, or for people who have experience in Omaha and want to improve own gaming skills.
Starting hand should have cards for possible high and low hands. In any hand two cards can be used to create high combination and other two cards – to create a low one, so the best starting hand gives you a chance for both. Such hand should be a mixture of high and low cards. Playing low hands only is rather risky unless you have a hand like A-2-3-5. As you can see, even though this hand consists mostly of low cards, there’s still a chance of getting a straight.
When you’re going to call down with low hand, do this if your hand is the best low hand possible. Unfortunately, the fact you have even the lowest hand doesn’t guarantee no one from other players has the same low combination. If this happens, you will get only small percentage of the pot and, in most cases, the win won’t cover the money spent.
Many Omaha Hi/Lo players try to play almost any hand they get. This is the best way to run out of money shortly. Carefully select the hands to play. For example, hands with 3 cards of the same suit have bare winning chances. Other combinations that should be avoided include low to medium pairs and cards that are not suited or not connected through some form or way.
Manage your bankroll wisely. This rule applies to all money games in general, not only to Omaha Hi/Lo. Distribute your bankroll so that you won’t use it all at one table. Tournaments are very popular among poker players, but when you are going to participate in one, make sure the tournament corresponds to your experience level. If among $20 tournaments you lose the majority, try $10 ones.
Bluffing in Omaha Hi/Lo is something that is not recommended even to players with some experience. Players in this game, as a rule, don’t like to fold, so during the game you will be pressed much and this is not good if your hand is not good. Quite often bluffing costs players a lot. If you like bluffing, try it, but only when you are left with only one opponent and you two have isolated the pot.
