How To Play Omaha Hi-Lo

Step 1: General

Omaha Hi-Lo is a very similar version of poker to Texas Hold'em - there are, however, two differences. The first difference is that players are dealt four pocket cards - the player then makes his hand using two cards from the pocket and three from the table's community cards. The second difference is that a low hand if it has eight high or below will take half the pot at the end of the game.

Step 2: Blinds

Before the cards are dealt one player must pay a blind, whilst another must pay a little blind or half the amount of the blind.

Step 3: The deal

To begin the starting hand each player receives in turn from the dealer four cards, all four are dealt face down

Step 4: First round of betting

In the first round of betting the players must at first match the blind if they wish to stay in the game and then match any additional raises

Step 5: The Flop

After the first round of betting is complete three community cards are dealt into the middle of the table - these cards are called the flop.

Step 6: Second round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. However this time the first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. If all players check the game continues with no further money being added to the pot. If a bet is placed then it must be matched if a player wants to continue.

Step 7: The Turn

Another face up card is dealt and added to the existing three community cards.

Step 8: Third round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. Again first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. If a bet is placed then it must be matched if a player wants to continue.

Step 9: The River

The river is the fifth and final community card.

Step 10: Fourth round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. Again first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. If a bet is placed then it must be matched if a player wants to continue.

Step 11: The showdown

At the showdown the player's entire hole cards (four cards) are shown to receive the pot - of these, the player must use 2 cards from his hole cards and three cards from the board to create his hand. The player with the best five card hand is the winner of the round and wins the pot. If there are multiple winners with the same hand, the pot is split between these players. If a player can make a low hand being less than eight high from two pocket cards and three community cards he will share the pot with the high hand.