Omaha8 Straight Draws

It's generally not a good idea to play for straight draws in Omaha Hi/low. They are so easily beaten, and often a lot of the value is taken away when another player is holding the same. Never invest too much money in a low ended straight. Those kind of hands are, to say the least, hopeful. These kind of hands should normally be folded in a betting war.

Remember, in Omaha8, although you only use two of your four cards to make a hand, it doesn't necessarily mean that you should only be focusing on two particular cards. When you are thinking about chasing a straight in Omaha Hi/low, always ensure you have a several options for the draw.

Lets take a look a few similar straight drawing opportunities which should be approached differently

Hole Cards : 9-10-J-K
Flop : 4-7-8

With a flop like this, the chances are that someone has a low hand. If it is a multiway pot, you can bet your mortgage on it. Now you have probably lost your share of the low pot, do you think it is worthwhile staying in?

You need to consider that a straight in Omaha Hi/low is not a powerful hand. It can easily turned over before the river. If you do land the nut high, you are by no means assured of being the only one with the hand. Now all of a sudden, your share of the pot is quartered, and this is only on a drawing hand. It doesn't seem so great after all, does it? If the board is two suited, even worse. Weighing up the pro's and the con's you should probably fold the hand.

Now for the other example.

Hole Cards : 10-J-Q-K
Flop : 2-8-9 (rainbow)

On this occasion, players are also drawing for the low hand. You have 9 cards which will offer you the nut high, with now low hand 3xJQK plus 4 cards for the nut high straight but this allows the low hand into play, cutting your pot potential.

If you land your 10-J or Q on the turn, you are still keeping the low hand locked out, but can still improve your straight should another high card come out by the river. With no low hand on board, you have a great chance of scooping the pot.

With the same flop, but two suited, you need to be a little more cautious. There are more danger cards out there, and the 10-J-Q of that suit, are effectively cancelled as outs. Remember, if any low card comes out by the river, more than likely, you will be sharing the pot with the low hand, should you hold on for the high.

Now for a great straight drawing opportunity.

Hole Cards : 10-J-Q-K
Flop : 2-9-10 (rainbow)

You have your 13 cards to make the nut high. If the J-Q-K comes in, you will have your straight, with the opportunity of a full house by the river. If the 8 lands, you have made your straight but you have left the other players in for a low draw opportunity. You can do some damage to their bankroll, especially if they are holding something like A-2-2-3. In this situation, you should try to get as much money into the pot as possible. Most players will stay in with a hand like that so make them pay for the chance.

 

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