In Omaha 8, Nines are negative EV
I don't write about Omaha often, but I do play. When the experts can't really agree on a strategy that works, I'm not about to claim to know the secret to the game, but I can attest to one thing; Any hand that relies on a nine as an operative card, other than A-9 suited, is not a good starting hand. The A-9 suited may draw to the nuts and, depending on the additional cards, offers an opportunity to scoop the pot. All of the experts do agree on two things in Omaha 8. Play for the scoop, and only draw to the nuts. Let's look at all the hands that involve a 9.To scoop with a high only hand, at least three of the community cards must be above 8 and not paired. Two hands provide the best chance:
Q-9 - (J-10-8-7 + X): If the X is a King or Queen, the Broadway straight is possible, and you have the idiot end. If the X is less than 8, a low is possible and scoop possibilities are based on the rest of your hand.
J-9 - (10-8-7 + X-X): Fairs no better. Two Cards above an 8 gives you the idiot end and one card below an 8 puts the low on board. Do you have the nut low?
If you hold 9-9 your situation doesn't improve. You need a nine plus three cards higher, so the high straight is possible again unless the board pairs and if the pair is one of the high cards you could easily have the idiot end of a fullhouse.
9-9 - (9-K-Q + 7-2) or 9-9 - (9-K-K + 7-2)
You do get a significant break if one of the low cards pair: 9-9 - (9-7-7 + K-2) You don't have the best fullhouse but only K-K is better.
A nine as one of your pivot cards just doesn't play well; it only scoops with miracle cards and makes no low. There are some hands that play well but their strength is based on the other cards. Hands like:
A♣-9♣-2-3
A♣-2♣-9-8
A♣-K♠-9♠-3♣
2♣-3♦-5♣-9♠ (If an Ace hits on the flop)
All of these hands have a 9 but the strength is really centered about other cards. The 9 plays little part except when it is suited.
Any hand that has a 9, (A-9 suited excluded.) has a higher potential of flopping the second best high than of winning. You should often make small mistakes early to avoid making bigger and costly mistakes later. Give it up before the flop. In Omaha 8, all of the middle cards, 8-7-6-5 are questionable and should be avoided but none can become the problem presented by those hands including a 9.
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