Omaha Hi Lo: Point Count Method
The game of Omaha Hi Lo has been studied by poker experts for a long time. Various experts have come up with theories and systems that rate hands in Omaha Hi Lo. One of the most popular methods is known as the point count method. The method is founded on the “high only” hand criteria. This means that the counting method allows you to determine if your hand is able to win the “high” portion of the pot. Remember, Omaha Hi Lo splits every pot in half and awards one half to the highest hand and one to the lowest qualifying hand.
High Only Hands
The point count method suggests that you play every “high only” hand. A “high only” hand must meet all of the following criteria: must be a hand with all four cards being a ten or higher. It is obvious that this type of hand is only eligible to win the high portion of the pot.
All Other Types of Hands
If your hand does not meet the requirements for a “high only” hand then further evaluation of the hand is required. The next step is to find the two cards in your hand with the lowest value. Points are assigned in the following manner: 20 points if the cards are A-2, 17 points if they are A-3, 13 points if A-4, 10 points if A-5, 15 points if 2-3, 12 points if 2-4, 11 points if 3-4 and 8 points if 4-5.
Next you need to determine the point value for the other two cards. These cards are not the two lowest cards but the other two remaining in your hand. If you have a pair of cards, don’t use the duplicate card. Just assign a point value to the third, distinct card. Point values are assigned as follows: 9 points for a 3, 6 points for a 4, 4 points for a 5, 2 points for any face card and 1 point for a 6 or 10.
Extra Point for Pairs and Suited Cards
Your hand is awarded extra points if you have a pair of cards in your hand. Point values are as follows: 8 points for a pair of aces, six points for kings, 5 points for queens, 2 points for jacks, 3 points for twos and 1 point for tens, fours or threes.
Points are also award for two suited cards. Double suited hands are awarded two suited point values. You assign point values according to the largest card of the suited duo.
What do these points mean?
By now you should have a point value for the hand as a whole. Add the point value assigned to the two lowest cards to the points determined by the other two cards. If you have as pair then add your bonus points to the total as well. Point values are as follows: 4 points for an ace, 3 points for a king, 2 points for a queen or jack and 1 point for an eight, nine or ten.
What does all this mean?
You can figure out if you want to play the hand once you have tallied up all possible points for your hand. The point count method says that if a hand is worth twenty points or more you should play it. If it is less than twenty then it should be folded. If the hand scored thirty points or more then it is suggested to raise your opponents.