How to Play Omaha Hi-Lo (Omaha 8-or-Better)
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Omaha Hi-Lo, often called Omaha 8-or-Better, O8, or Omaha/8, is a fast-paced and highly strategic split-pot poker variant. While fixed-limit was once the traditional form, the Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo (PLO8) format has become the most popular version today, especially online.
Omaha Hi-Lo is a staple in mixed game formats such as H.O.R.S.E and 8-Game, admired for its depth and dynamic play. Players compete for both the high and low halves of the pot, sometimes winning both in what’s known as a scoop.
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 in Omaha Hi-Lo
The high hand follows standard Omaha High rules. The strongest possible high hand is a Royal Flush. If no low qualifies, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Qualifying Low Hand in Omaha Hi-Lo
To qualify for the low half:
- Players must use two hole cards and three board cards.
- A low hand is five unpaired cards, all eight or lower.
- Aces count as low (and high for the high hand).
- Straights and flushes do not disqualify a low hand.
Ranking Low Hands in Omaha Hi-Lo
Low hands are ranked from the top card down:
- The best possible low hand is A-2-3-4-5, known as The Wheel.
- Next come 6-lows, 7-lows, and 8-lows in that order.
- Example: 7-5-4-3-2 beats 8-4-3-2-A because 7 is lower than 8.
- If players share the same low, they split the low half of the pot.
Remember: each player must use exactly two hole cards and three board cards for both high and low hands.
Scooping Explained
Winning both the high and low halves of the pot is called scooping, and it’s the ultimate goal in Omaha Hi-Lo.
However, chasing only the low half can be dangerous. If another player shares the same low, you’ll end up being quartered—splitting the low half and only winning a quarter of the total pot.
Formats
Omaha Hi-Lo is played in three betting structures:
- Limit Omaha Hi-Lo
- Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo (PLO8) — most popular today
- No-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo
In Pot-Limit, the maximum raise size is limited to the current size of the pot, which creates large but controlled action.
Beginner Strategy
- Play premium starting hands such as A-A-2-3 or A-A-2-4, especially double-suited.
- Prioritize hands that can win both high and low.
- Avoid weak lows (e.g., A-4-9-K) and trap hands with middle cards like 6-7-8-9.
- Don’t chase just the nut low unless you also have high potential.
- Fold often when you miss the flop – Omaha Hi-Lo is a “nut game,” meaning only the best possible hands usually win.
Common Mistakes
- Playing too many starting hands.
- Overvaluing a bare A-2 (without strong high potential).
- Misreading hands and forgetting the “use two hole cards” rule.
- Calling down with only half-pot potential.
- Chasing lows that are likely to be quartered.
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.
