In Omaha Hi/Lo, how often is a lo hand available on the board?

Question

What percentage of the time is there three different cards 8 or lower on the board by the river?

I am asking about the probability of a lo hand being AVAILABLE on the board. I am NOT asking for the probability of actually getting a lo hand.

Answer 1

In late 1998, Poker Digest magazine had a series of articles (written by Brian Alspach) discussing various probabilities for Omaha Hi/Lo and this question was one of them. For an observer who is not playing in the game, the probability of a low board appearing by the river is 0.601 or approximately 60%.

The probability changes somewhat if you are playing in the game and have knowledge of four of the cards. For example, if you have four high cards in your hand, then the probability of a low board appearing by the river increases to 0.686.

Answer 2

I could figure out the %, but basically what you need is the board to have 3 cards that are 8 or lower. That means,
A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

BUT, if any of them pair, it doesn't work. Also, you need to have two cards that are 8 or under in your hand that do not pair those cards.

So, if the board is A 3 5 Q K

and your hole cards are a 2 Q K
you do NOT have a low hand

but, if the board is A 2 3 4
and you have 3 4 5 6

you DO (and a damn nice high hand also)

So basically, between the board and your hand, you need FIVE DIFFERENT low cards.

Also, the odds of a low hand being possible and the odds of YOU having a low hand are very different. The first is going to be significantly higher than the second.

Answer 3

23456 is a 6-5 low and a 6 severe right this moment, A2347 is a 7-4 low and ace severe, (however this is imossible that those may be the 5 playing cards you play for top) So 23456 is the two a greater proper hi and lo hand

Answer 4

Just under 37% of the time.

Answer 5

should be about 50%

Answer 6

I don't know the exact percentage, but it happens quite often.