Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo
Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo
Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo (PLO8 or Omaha/8) is a split-pot poker variant where each player receives four hole cards and must use exactly two of them with three community cards to form both a high hand and, if qualifying, a low hand, with betting limited to the current pot size.
Overview
Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, abbreviated as PLO8 or Omaha/8, is a popular variant of Omaha poker that combines high-hand and low-hand scoring with a pot-limit betting structure. It is commonly played in mixed games and tournament formats, notably in events like the World Series of Poker.
Gameplay
Each player is dealt four private cards (hole cards). Five community cards are dealt in rounds: flop (three), turn (one), river (one). To form a hand, each player must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards. The pot is split equally between the best high hand and the best low hand (if one qualifies). If no low hand qualifies, the entire pot goes to the best high hand.
Low Hand Qualifications
A low hand must consist of five cards ranked 8 or lower (ace counts as low) with no pair. The best possible low is A-2-3-4-5, called a "wheel" or "bicycle." Low hands are ranked from the highest card downward (e.g., 8-7-6-5-4 beats 8-7-6-5-3). Suits and straights do not affect low eligibility.
Betting Structure
As pot-limit, the minimum bet is the size of the big blind, and the maximum bet is the current pot size (including previous bets and calls). Players may raise up to the pot. This structure encourages action and large pots, distinguishing it from fixed-limit variants.
Strategy Differences
PLO8 requires a dual mindset: aiming to scoop both halves, but often players settle for one side. Key strategic concepts:
- A2XX and A3XX: Powerful starting hands with an ace-deuce or ace-three combo for low, plus potential high draws.
- Counterfeiting: Low hands can be ruined if the board pairs a low card needed by an opponent.
- Quartering: When a player ties for low (e.g., both have A-2-3-4-5), they split the low half, receiving only quarter of the pot.
- Suited aces and wraps: High potential combines with low draw strength.
- Position: Vital in pot-limit for controlling pot size and extracting value.
Common Contexts
PLO8 appears in cash games and tournaments, often as part of mixed game rotations like H.O.R.S.E. or 8-Game. Its complexity draws experienced players who enjoy split-pot dynamics and pot-limit aggression.
Comparison to Other Variants
Unlike Omaha High (PLO), where only the high hand wins, PLO8 adds a low element, making nut low draws critical. Compared to Fixed-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, pot-limit allows larger bets and more bluffing opportunities.