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Bluffing and Slow Playing with the Low End

Being that the main new element of strategy added to Omaha 8 or Better is the low end, it is necessary for players to fully understand the universal poker tactics and how they apply to Omaha 8 or Better, and more specifically, the low end. Bluffing is one of the most used tactics that players use to play the odds and win money, while Slow Playing, being opposite in execution, is also used to play the odds and win money. The low end is worth half of every pot, but since it is essentially a different style of poker in itself, it requires a new set of tactics when bluffing or slow playing, and they are explained below. This article should help players improve overall in Omaha 8 or Better by solidifying their low end play.


The Differences of the Low End
To begin with some basics, the low end is played just how it sounds. Players try to attain the worst poker hand possible with 5 cards. These cards must be under 8, and players cannot have a pair or better. While this covers the low end fairly well, our “The Low End and How To Play It” article is recommended if you are a new player.


Bluffing on the Low End
If you are holding a weak hand on the low end, it requires a bit more work to pull off a successful bluff being that bluffs could be interpreted in twice as many ways. A general good strategy for bluffing is obviously to bet high based on which cards come up. If a low card comes on the turn of river you have a prime chance for betting high in order to make it seem like you hit a really good low hand. Another bluff that could be used in combination with this is table talking. Let other players know which side of the pot you are going for. Then, when a low card hits you can effectively bet high and bluff a player out of the pot.


To bluff out anyone who may be playing for the low hand out of the deal altogether is a bit harder though. This is effective when you have the high hand under control, and either no low hand or a very weak low hand. As players understand they get half the pot just with the low end, you must also follow the tips above, playing your high hand off as a low hand. This will work well in two ways. Players with average high hands may think they still have a chance and go for them, while players with low hands will fold out, leaving you with both ends of the pot.


Slow Playing on the Low End
Slow playing is one of the most effective strategies in Omaha 8 or Better. When playing for the low end with the nuts or a hand close to them, one should be easily able to lay low and allow the high end or other low end players push up the pot. Now, slow playing is not a recommended strategy to use for 8 or Better in that there will always be more people in the pot, and so betting will be going on anyway. This logic is correct, but by slow playing can still be an effective money maker. When two or more other players are ‘battling' over a pot, it is very easy to slow play the flop and turn, and then come in and bet over the top on the river. This leads other players into taking your hand lightly or ignoring your potential, which increases their chances of calling your large river bet.


With these two strategies an Omaha 8 or Better player can greatly increase their low end earnings. While they may not be as effective as in other games, both will help an intermediate Omaha 8 or Better players chances of winning.