Practical Poker Math

Before the Flop
In both Omaha High and Omaha Hi-Lo, a primary consideration
is the odds of improving the hand on the Flop. In
Omaha Hi-Lo, an additional concern is the likelihood that a
Low hand or Low draw will be counterfeited.
Second-nut Lows, second-nut Flushes and “dummy” end
Straights are all hands that can be very expensive for two reasons:
1. They are second-nut — they have a diminished
chance of winning
2. They are mostly unidirectional hands — they have
virtually no chance of scooping.
The tables and calculations below demonstrate the odds and
probabilities that
1. Certain starting low hands will improve into Low
draws on the Flop
2. Certain starting high hands will improve into High
draws on the Flop
3. Either low or high starting hands will evolve into
made hands on the Flop.
Certain starting low hands will be counterfeited on the Flop.
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Before the Flop