24/7 Support

About Us

Join the 1917Poker revolution - the best online poker action is here!

Omaha High-Low Split

Home > Rules > Omaha High-Low Split

Omaha High-Low Split

Omaha Hi-Low is a very popular version of Omaha Hi poker. The principles and rules are like standard Omaha Hi. However, there are some differences during the Showdown which make the game much more active and interesting.

In contrast to Omaha Hi, the pot is split equally between the best High five-card hand and the best qualifying Low five-card hand. In order to qualify for the low half of the pot, the low hand must be 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or lower. That's why this game is called "8 or Better," or simply Omaha Hi-Low. If several players show the identical best hand, then half of the pot is split evenly between those players. If there is not a qualifying Low hand, the High hand wins the whole pot. The same cards may be used in declaring High and Low hands. A frequent example of this is "The Wheel" consisting of an A-2-3-4-5.

There is also a very interesting portion of Omaha High-Low rules. Straights and flushes do not count against the Low hand, but pairs do. To qualify you cannot have a card from the low hand above an 8.

The order of play is the same as in Omaha Hi and Texas Hold’em:

Preflop - Each player is dealt four cards face-down, called “Pocket Cards” or “Hole Cards.” This begins with the “Small Blind.” Then the first betting round begins.

The Flop - After the first betting round, three “Community Cards” are dealt face-up in the center of the table. Then the second round of betting is carried out the same as the first round.

The Turn - After the second betting round, an additional “Community Card” (or “Turn Card") is dealt face-up in the center of the table. The third round of betting is carried out exactly as the two previous rounds.

The River - A final “Community Card” (or the "River Card") is dealt face-up. This final round of betting is carried out just like the third one, and precedes the Showdown.

Showdown - The player/players with the best High and/or Low five-card hand win the pot. Do not forget that if several players have equal hands the pot is divided between them. If there is not a qualifying Low hand, the player holding the High hand wins the entire pot.