How to Play Omaha/8 (High-Low)
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Omaha Hi-Lo, often called Omaha/8, is a fast-paced and highly strategic poker variant. While fixed-limit remains the traditional format, the pot-limit version (PLO/8) has surged in popularity, particularly across online poker rooms.
The rules mirror standard Omaha High—players must combine exactly two of their four hole cards with three community cards—but here the pot is divided between the strongest high hand and the best qualifying low.
In our lesson on how to play Omaha we outlined that one major difference between Omaha and hold’em was the number of potential hands vying for the pot. In Omaha/8 that number remains constant as each hand still has six possibilities but now some of them are vying for the low end and others for the high. What this translates to is an action packed game with numerous bets and raises and large pots.
Omaha/8 Showdown Rules
Omaha/8 is a split pot poker game, meaning the pot is usually divided unless one player scoops it. There are two ways to scoop: holding both the best high and low hands, or having the best high when no qualifying low is possible.
The High Hand
The high hand in Omaha/8 is the identical to a winning hand in Omaha high. If there is no qualified low hand then the best high hand will win the pot.
Qualifying Low Hand
The rules for a qualifying low hand are as follows:
- Players may use any five cards in their hand for the low
- A low hand is five unpaired cards, no higher than an eight
- Aces are low for the low hand (and high for the high hand)
- Flushes and straights do not negatively impact the low hand
Ranking Low Hands
Low hands in Omaha/8 are ranked ‘top down’, from the highest card in the hand. For example 
is lower than 
. This is an example of a “7 low” versus an “8 low”.
If the highest card is equal in rank then the next highest card is used to determined the lowest hand. This means that 
is lower than because the second highest card among the five is lower. If the second highest card was the same then it would go to the third, fourth, and fifth card respectively. If players share the same low cards then the low half of the pot is split.
In Omaha/8, the strongest possible low hand is A-2-3-4-5, known as the “wheel.” Straights and flushes don’t disqualify a hand from qualifying as low; in fact, they make it eligible to win both high and low, increasing the chance to scoop the pot. While a Royal Flush and the wheel are top high and low hands respectively, the ultimate showdown winner is a five-high straight flush—claiming both halves of the pot with one unbeatable hand.
Omaha/8 Hand Examples
The basic rules are the same as Omaha high, in that you must use two of your hole cards with three on the board.
In the above example a low hand is not possible because the board doesn’t contain three cards that are eight or lower. Only the best high hand will win. The nuts for this board would be someone holding Jack-Queen for the straight. With 
(which is an excellent starting hand in Omaha/8) you would use along with the 
on the board to make a high-hand of one pair.
Here is a hand that would qualify for both the high and the low:
In the above example the board contains three card no higher than an eight; the 
. The hole cards in this example are very strong. In Omaha/8 you can use any two of your cards for the low and any two for the high-hand. The 
can be used for the nut high hand (flush) and 
can be used for the nut low ( A-2-3-7-8). This is a prime candidate for scooping the pot.
If you’re unsure how to work out low hands, which can be confusing at first, then don’t worry. The key is to count backwards from the highest low card first. As mentioned, the best low hand is A-2-3-4-5 which is a five-low hand, which when counting backwards would obviously be 5-4-3-2-A. The next best low hand would be a six-low of 6-4-3-2-A, followed by 6-5-3-2-A, then 6-5-4-2-A, then 6-5-4-3-A and so on. The highest card is counted first and if there’s a tie the next highest low card is counted.
What makes Omaha Hi-Lo (Omaha/8) stand out from traditional Omaha High is its unique split-pot format—but don’t mistake it for a simple split. The highest hand claims half the pot, the best qualifying low takes the other, but the real prize comes from scooping both sides for maximum value.
Omaha/8 divides the poker community—some players thrive on its layered strategy, while others steer clear entirely.
Its loyal enthusiasts, often dubbed “Omaholics,” understand the fascination all too well. For newcomers, consider this a warning: this highly strategic, addictive poker variant has a way of pulling you in fast.
