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July 19th, 2008
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Omaha 8 or Better Strategy

Apr 19, 12:58 PM

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When you Play Omaha 8 or better, you are essentially playing Omaha high, except there is one added aspect to the game. This addition is that of the possibility that the best hand lower then 8 high will win half of the pot. This allows for a variety of strategies to be played amongst some of the similar strategies that are played in Omaha high. This article will just concentrate on some of the simpler strategies and tactics that are needed to be a good Omaha 8 or better player.

The main thing to remember when playing Omaha 8 or better is that the highest hand will still always win at least half of the pot. Often times, players will focus too much on playing a low hand that they forget that a high hand will do just as good. One of the strategies to focus on when you are just starting playing Omaha 8 or better is to concentrate only on playing high hands. If you do this, you will eliminate the complications and worries of a low hand, and as a beginner your play will be easier. This concept is only for the newest players, and after you learn the basics of the game, you should move on to some of the more complex strategies explained in later articles.

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Remember, you can also use different cards on the table and in your hand to try and make both the highest and lowest hands, so you're not taking away any chances buy just playing high hands for the time being.


When you decide just to play high hands in Omaha 8 or better, you need to expect player to be raising large amounts occasionally. Do not be scared when this occurs and you have a reasonable high hand since one of the most common reasons for an opponent doing this is that they have a good low hand. When a player qualifies for a low in Omaha 8 or better, they have the mentality that they are entitled to half of the pot, so why not bet as much as they can since they can't lose. You will experience this eventually when you play and just remember that the best high hand will always win at least half of the pot.


The strategy for Omaha 8 or better is a little different then similar high/low games such as seven card stud 8 or better. Due to the fact that there will be five community cards that everyone can use, there is a good chance that more than one person will qualify for the low hand. In a case such as this, you will want to stay in the hand as long as you have a decent high and a decent low, since the possibilities of drawing is far greater. However, do not stay in the hand if your opponents are betting large amounts. It is not worth it to try and fish for expensive cards, when even when you make your hand you still might not be a winner.


Omaha 8 or better strategy is a very complex one that has a variety of ideas and concepts behind it. There are many ways to play the game, and the aspect of a high and low hand winning makes the game much more interesting and intellectually indulging to play. You could play your hand with the perfect strategy and still lose to a beginner, but at the same time you can play a horrible hand and beat a pro. It is this element of poker that makes it such an inviting game, but the point I am trying to make is that strategies are only as good as the situations you apply them in. More about when to play certain strategies, and deeper tactics will be coming soon.


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