Hold'em Vs. Omaha High-Low

A member of this website writes, 'Dear Geno. I know you play Texas Hold'em as well as Omaha High-Low. I also know from reading your column that you won a major Omaha High-Low poker tournament a while back. Although I have tried to play Omaha High-Low, I am not an expert at the game. Can you please tell me the difference between the games and how your strategy changes when you play Omaha High-Low? Jeff B., Sacramento, CA.'

I am more than happy to write about Omaha High-Low. The truth is, it is probably my favorite poker game to play for money.

I have won more money at Omaha High-Low than any other poker game. Unlike Texas Hold'em where a player receives only two cards, you are dealt four cards in Omaha High-Low. A low hand of eight or better wins half the pot. This means you must alter your strategy and starting hands when playing this more complex game.

To show the difference between the two poker games, let me relate a story to you. Russell Nelson is a certified public accountant who lives in Phoenix, AZ. He is not a gambler but being a CPA, he has a great head for figures. He accompanied me to Las Vegas one weekend and watched me play Texas Hold'em and seven card stud.

When we drove back to Phoenix, Russell said, 'You know, I'd back you financially in seven-card stud. The game makes sense mathematically. But Texas Hold'em? The game is crazy. It makes no sense. All you receive are two cards. I don't know how anybody can win consistently at it.'

I had to smile at Russell's words. His knowledge about Hold'em is limited, but he had stumbled on a vital part of the game. Texas Hold'em players who switch to Omaha High-Low are easy to beat at the beginning because they play the game like it is Hold'em. And that simply does not work.

The strongest Omaha High-Low player is the one who selects his starting hands very carefully. All four starting cards must work together in order for you to play them, especially if someone raises.

The best starting cards in Omaha High-Low would be something like A-A-2-3, double-suited. That gives you a chance for high if an ace flops, and it also gives you a powerful hand for low.

The object in Omaha High-Low is to scoop the hand. Winning just half the pot, say the low side, is helpful but if you cannot scoop the pot, you are simply giving away too much money. That is why many beginning players cannot win at Omaha High-Low.

Yes, the game provides plenty of action. Yes, players often play too many hands. Omaha High-Low can give you an excuse to play many hands that you should not be playing if you hope to add to your bankroll.

But it's an exciting game and beginning players often throw caution to the wind because of the action. At the end of four or five hours when they are down a few hundred dollars, they often rake in their remaining chips, cash out and go back to Texas Hold'em, which is probably a good idea.

Texas Hold'em players can play a lot more hands depending on their position. Omaha High-Low players must restrict the hands they play or they will end up losing their initial buy-in and have to replenish their chips.

With that said, I would recommend to you that you learn Omaha High-Low. I think it is the game of the future. Mixed games like Omaha High-Low and seven-card stud high-low are being spread by an increasing number of card rooms. They add excitement to a poker table and are challenging to learn.

Yes, the games require skill that the average Texas Hold'em player simply does not possess. But if you are a fast learner, you will enjoy the game. And if you learn the game properly, it could prove very rewarding. Good luck. Let the games begin.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).