Because poker is based on the human factor just as much as it is the cards themselves, there will be mistakes. That’s a stone-cold fact. What you need to do is be able to identify and learn from your mistakes and those made by the other players at your table. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the three most common Omaha Hi/Lo mistakes and how you can avoid making them yourself.
#1: Not Understanding The Odds And Probabilities
This one comes up first because it’s probably the most important. We’ve said it again and again on this site: Omaha poker is a game of the nuts and knowing the odds that you’re going to have them and the probability that another player is going to be able to best your hand is a core component to being a successful player. Too many players in Omaha games fold when they should call and call when they should fold because they don’t know their way around the numbers. Take the time to understand the likelihood of your hand winning or improving and you’ll become a player that wins more often.
#2: A Lack Of Patience
Omaha is an action-packed poker game and that’s why it’s so popular. More players see the flop and pots and split left and right, and that’s why it’s hard to sit back and wait for a hand — you want to get in on that action! It’s important to notice that the best players do that very thing all the time, though. This means playing hands in position and avoiding playing in raised pots without the best of hands. If you’re not involved in a hand, watch how others play and make notes. The data you collect now can help you win later!
#3: Not Being Able To Back Down
This is a huge problem for many Omaha Hi/Lo players and it’s one that can cost you a lot of money. Let’s say you’ve flopped the nut flush with the second nut low. The action is going fast and furious and it’s now capped four ways. The turn is a harmless card that does nothing to affect or change the hand and again, more best hit the deck. The river hits and now you’re facing down three bets before play even gets to you.
What do you do? You step back. Your flush is not going to beat whatever you’re facing and depending on that second nut low is just plain silly. Don’t bet into pots you’re not sure you’re going to win and you’ll save money and have more for the rest of the game.
These are just three of the most common mistakes out there and the best advice I ever got from someone was to analyze my hands I lost after the fact for a second or two, even stepping out of play for a round while I take notes and figure out if I misjudged the odds or if there was a fluke win on another player’s part.