10 Simple Strategy Tips for Playing O8B

Omaha Hi/Lo is an action game. Every player recognizes the possibilities to play a lot of hands, both before and after the flop. Still a sound basic strategy tip is to play tight. Even if good arguments can be put forward to implement a looser strategy, a winning tight strategy is much easier to follow through. There are just too many pitfalls.

There are lots of cards. There is a high side and a low side of the pot. Nut hands are common. In low stakes particularly, many players see the flop. Once the flop is out there, the table is bombarded with raises and reraises. Omaha Eight or Better is an action game.

In short, these 10 elementary tips are based on the importance of scooping. To scoop is to win both the high and the low side of the pot, that is taking all the money. Playing for only half the pot is not a sound strategy. Read the advice in this context.

If you only have one minute to spare, then following these guidelines will increase your chances of success. If you have some additional minutes, keep studying to fully comprehend the tips and expand your conception of O8B.

1. Only play strong starting hands.
2. Marginal starting hands can be profitable in late position, when many players have entered the pot by only calling.
3. Seldom raise preflop. The strongest reason to still do so, is to push people and get to act last.
4. Be prepared to frequently give up on the flop. Do not lose money by drawing to the second best hand.
5. Be aggressive if you hit the flop, especially if you have redraws.
6. Seldom bluff. One exception could be when playing shorthanded with a ragged flop.
7. Generally, play A-2 or in some cases A-3 for low. An extra wheel card (A-5) or even a 6 strengthens your low draw.
8. Any hand containing a 7, 8 or 9 is probably a waste of money.
9. A hand with four face cards (T, J, Q, K or A) can be played profitably for high. If you hit you hit with scoop potential. If you do not hit, you muck.
10. Remember that the goal of the game is to scoop the pot.