Every time I play Omaha High/Low I end up just giving my money away… After discussing my complete failure to grasp the game, Cajun recommended I read Play Poker Like the Pros (by Helmuth) for a good overview of Omaha H/L.
So, I’m reading it. And I understand a lot more than I did previously.
However, I began looking at the “Qualifying Low Hands for Stud 8/b” (on page 316 of the book) and became confused. What a surprise. :)
For those of you that do not have the book, this chart shows the ranking of low hands from best to worst. I’m reading through the list and I think I finally figure out the pattern (what is good, and why) when I run into hand number 34.
It goes like this:
32. 8-6-5-3-A
33. 8-6-5-3-2
34. 8-6-5-4-A
35. 8-6-5-4-2
I understand why hand #32 is better than #33 (A instead of 2). And I understand why #34 is better than #35 (again, A instead of 2). But, why oh why, is hand #33 better than #34? Why isn’t an A/4 a stronger low than a 2/3?
I guess I could just memorize the hands and be done with it, but if someone could help me to understand I sure would appreciate it.
Thanks!
Chuck
