Omaha Hi-Lo (O8) Calculator
Calculate Omaha Hi-Lo poker odds for high hands, low hands, and scoop potential in split pot games.
Formula:Pot Split: 50% High / 50% Low (when low qualifies)
Omaha Hi-Lo Rules
Low Requirements:
- 5 unpaired cards 8 or lower
- Must use 2 hole cards + 3 board
- Straights/flushes don't disqualify
Pot Split:
- 50% to best high hand
- 50% to best low (if qualifies)
- No low = high wins all
Cards that make/improve your low
Cards that make/improve your high
Cards that win both high and low
Cards left to come
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
Omaha Hi-Lo Strategy
Scooping is the Goal: The real money in O8 comes from winning both halves. Hands that can only win half the pot have half the value.
Avoid Quartering: When you split the low with another player, you get only 25% of the pot. Weak low draws (A-3, A-4 without backup) often get quartered.
Nut Low is Critical: In O8, you want the nut low (A-2) to avoid counterfeiting and quartering. A-2-3 is ideal because it has backup if the board pairs your 2 or 3.
High-Only Boards: When no low is possible (3+ cards 9 or higher), it becomes regular Omaha. Adjust your thinking to high-only strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a low hand?
A low requires 5 unpaired cards 8 or lower. The best low is A-2-3-4-5 (the wheel). Straights and flushes don't count against you for low - A-2-3-4-5 is both the nut low AND a straight!
What is scooping?
Scooping means winning both the high and low halves of the pot. If the pot is $200, scooping wins $200 while splitting only wins $100. Always prioritize scoop potential.
What is quartering?
Quartering happens when you split the low (or high) with another player. If 2 players have A-2 for the nut low and one has high, the low players each get 1/4 of the pot. Avoid weak low draws!
When is there no low possible?
No low is possible when 3+ board cards are 9 or higher. Example: K-Q-J-9-7 board - only high wins the entire pot. Always count low cards on board.
What are the best Omaha Hi-Lo starting hands?
A-A-2-3 double suited is the best starting hand. A-2-3-x with suited ace, A-A-2-x, and hands with A-2 or A-3 with high coordination are premium. Avoid hands without low potential.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).