Omaha Hi/Lo, also known as Omaha Eight or Better, is one of the most strategically rich forms of poker. Unlike regular Omaha, this variant splits the pot between the highest hand and the lowest qualifying hand, making every decision twice as critical.
In this article, we’ll cover:
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What is Omaha Hi/Lo?
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Key rules and hand-building strategies
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How the split pot works
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Tips for playing Hi/Lo effectively
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External resources to learn and play Omaha Hi/Lo free online
If you’re looking for a complete understanding of Hi/Lo, the split pot concept, and essential Omaha rules, this 2025 guide has you covered.
What is Omaha Hi/Lo?
Omaha Hi/Lo is a variation of Omaha poker where the pot is divided into two parts:
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One of the best high hands
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One of the best low hands (also called the “Lo”)
The goal is to win both halves of the pot (called “scooping”), but many hands result in a split pot between players with the best high and low hands.
Omaha Hi/Lo Rules (How to Play)
While the game is played using Omaha rules, there are key distinctions for Hi/Lo:
Game Setup
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Each player receives 4 hole cards.
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Five community cards are dealt face up.
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Players must make a 5-card hand using exactly 2 hole cards and 3 community cards.
Same as traditional Omaha poker, not Texas Hold’em.
Split Pot Rules
At showdown, the pot is split:
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50% to the best high hand
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50% to the best low hand (if one qualifies)
If no qualifying low hand exists, the entire pot goes to the high hand.
What Is a “Low” Hand?
A low hand must meet the “eight or better” condition:
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Five different cards, 8 or lower
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No pairs
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Aces are low, so the best possible low is: A-2-3-4-5
This is also called the “wheel”, and it often wins both high and low.
Betting Structure
Most Omaha Hi/Lo games are played as:
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Limit Omaha Hi/Lo (most common)
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Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo
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No Limit Omaha Hi/Lo (rare)
High vs Low Hand Rankings
High hand rankings follow standard poker rules:
| High Hand Rank | Example |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ |
| Straight Flush | 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥ |
| Four of a Kind | Q♦ Q♣ Q♥ Q♠ 9♦ |
| Full House | J♣ J♠ J♦ 8♠ 8♣ |
| Flush | K♥ 10♥ 8♥ 7♥ 2♥ |
| Straight | 8♠ 7♣ 6♠ 5♠ 4♣ |
| … and so on |
For low hands:
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A-2-3-4-5 is the best low
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Hands like 2-3-4-6-7 or A-3-4-6-8 qualify
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8 is the highest card allowed for the low half
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If two players tie on low hands, they split the low half
Omaha Hi/Lo Split Pot Strategy
1. Aim to Scoop the Pot
Your best hands will qualify for both high and low. Focus on A-2 hands that can also make straights or flushes. Scooping (winning both halves) is far more profitable than splitting.
2. Start with Nut Low Draws
A hand like A-2-X-X (where X is a suited or connected card) gives you the nut low potential and a shot at a strong high. Avoid hands that only go for high or weak lows like 7-6.
3. Beware Counterfeiting
If your low draw is A-3, and the board comes A-2-5, you may be counterfeited by someone holding A-2 or A-4. Always have backup options.
4. Don’t Chase Quarter Pots
Many beginners fall into the trap of “chasing the low” only to split it with others, earning just 25% of the pot. If your only shot is a shared low, fold or re-evaluate.
5. Respect Position and Bet Sizing
Betting from position and controlling pot size can protect you from drawing thin or getting quartered.
Where to Play Omaha Hi/Lo Online (Free or Real Money)
Looking for platforms to practice Omaha Hi/Lo?
| Poker Site | Platform | Free Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PokerStars | Desktop/Mobile | Yes | Play money games & Hi/Lo tourneys |
| WSOP.com | Desktop Only | Yes | Real-money Omaha Hi/Lo events |
| Partypoker | Desktop/Mobile | Yes | Great for beginners |
| Ignition Poker | US-Friendly | Yes | Pot-limit Hi/Lo cash games |
| Bovada | Mobile/Desktop | Yes | Crypto deposits, fast-fold poker |
Example: How a Split Pot Works in Omaha Hi/Lo
Let’s walk through a realistic hand:
Player A: A♠ 2♦ 8♠ 9♣
Player B: A♣ 3♣ 4♦ Q♥
Board: 3♠ 4♠ 5♣ 6♦ K♦
High Hand
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Player B has a straight: 3♠ 4♠ 5♣ 6♦ A♣
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Player A has nothing better than a pair
→ Player B wins the high pot
Low Hand
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Player A: A-2-3-4-5 → Nut low
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Player B: A-3-4-5-6 → Not as low
→ Player A wins the low pot
Result:
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Player A and Player B split the pot 50/50
This is the essence of Hi/Lo poker — skillfully targeting both halves of the pot with carefully constructed hands.
FAQs
Can you win both the high and low pots?
Yes, that’s called scooping. A hand like A-2-3-4-5 often wins on both sides.
What happens if no one qualifies for the low?
Then the entire pot goes to the high hand winner.
Is Omaha Hi/Lo better than regular Omaha?
It’s more strategic and less about pure aggression. Skilled players who understand equity splits often do better in Hi/Lo formats.
Are there tournaments for Omaha Hi/Lo?
Absolutely. WSOP, PokerStars, and other major sites run Omaha Hi/Lo tournaments regularly, both live and online.
Final Thoughts: Is Omaha Hi/Lo for You?
Omaha Hi/Lo isn’t just a poker game — it’s a thinking person’s battlefield. By understanding split pot dynamics, proper hand selection, and the Omaha rules, you gain an edge over recreational players.
If you’re tired of simple Hold’em setups and want deeper decisions, Omaha Hi/Lo is your next big move. Practice the fundamentals, avoid common traps, and aim to scoop, not split.
