Omaha Hi-Lo
Also known as: Omaha 8-or-Better, Omaha Hi-Lo Split, O8, Omaha/8
A split-pot variant of Omaha where the pot is divided between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand. A low hand must have five unpaired cards ranked 8 or below. A player can win both halves (scoop) by holding the best high and best low.
Quick Rules
- Same dealing structure as PLO: 4 hole cards, 5 community cards.
- Must use exactly 2 hole cards and exactly 3 community cards for each half.
- Pot is split between best high hand and best qualifying low hand.
- Low hand must have 5 unpaired cards ranked 8 or below (aces play low).
- If no qualifying low exists, the high hand wins the entire pot.
- A player may use different combinations of hole cards for high and low.
Strategy Notes
Scoop potential is king — hands that can win both high and low are the most valuable. A-2 suited with connected high cards is the ideal starting hand. Avoid one-way hands when possible.
Home Game Tips
Requires players who understand the split-pot concept. Best introduced after the group is comfortable with regular Omaha. Takes longer per hand due to split-pot evaluation. Limit format is most common.
Use PLO game type. Hi-Lo split evaluated at showdown.
Create a Omaha Hi-Lo Tournament