Second Nut Low

Definition and Context

The term "Second Nut Low" is most commonly used in split-pot poker games where both high and low hands are awarded half the pot, such as Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha Eight-or-Better). In these games, a qualifying low hand must consist of five unpaired cards ranked eight or lower (Ace counts as low). The nut low is the best possible low hand based on the community cards, and the second nut low is the next best low hand that is still eligible.

Determining the Second Nut Low

To find the second nut low, one compares all possible low hands that can be made from the player's hole cards and the board. The worst possible low hand (the highest) is often referred to as the "splash" or "bubble," but the second nut low is specifically the hand that would lose only to the nut low. For example, if the board shows A♠2♣3♦8♥Q♠, the nut low is A-2-3-4-5 (using a 4 and 5 from a player's hand). The second nut low would then be A-2-3-4-6 (or A-2-3-5-6 if 4 is not available) – any hand that is only beaten by the exact nut low.

It is important to note that the second nut low can vary depending on which cards are already used in the nut low. If the nut low uses a specific card (e.g., the 5 on the board), that card cannot be used in the second nut low. Thus, the second nut low is the best low hand that does not conflict with the nut low's required cards.

Strategic Implications

In split-pot games, holding the second nut low can be profitable in certain situations but also dangerous. When you have the second nut low, you are effectively drawing to half the pot unless you improve, and you are vulnerable to being "freerolled" by the nut low. A freeroll occurs when an opponent holds the nut low and a draw to a better high hand, meaning they cannot lose the low half but can win the high half. Players with the second nut low should proceed cautiously, especially in multi-way pots, as they may end up with nothing if both halves are scooped by the nut low and a high hand. However, if the nut low is unlikely (e.g., due to cards already seen), the second nut low can be a strong holding.

Related Terms

• Nut Low: The best possible low hand given the board.
• Low Hand: A qualifying hand in split-pot games consisting of five unpaired cards eight or lower.
• Omaha Hi-Lo: A variant of Omaha where the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands.
• Split-Pot: A pot divided among two or more winning hands.

Example

In a game of Omaha Hi-Lo, the board is 2♠4♣6♦9♥K♣. The nut low is A-2-3-4-6 (using A-3 from hand and board cards 2,4,6). The second nut low would be A-2-3-4-7 or A-2-3-5-6, depending on available cards. Any player holding A-3 plus a 7 or 5 would have the second nut low.