What is Quartered in Poker?

Introduction

In the world of split-pot poker games like Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or Better), the action can get intense, and confusing. While scooping a pot is every player's dream, there's another lesser-known outcome that often leaves players scratching their heads and wondering where their chips disappeared.

It’s called getting quartered.

If you're unfamiliar with the term or have heard it at the table and nodded along without fully grasping its meaning, this blog is for you. Let's break down what it means to be quartered in poker and why it's dangerous.

What Does Quartered Mean?

In split-pot games, the pot is generally divided 50/50:

• Half goes to the best high hand
• Half goes to the best qualifying low hand

However, when multiple players tie for one side of the pot (usually the low), and only one player wins the high, the side with multiple winners has to share their half. If you’re one of those tied players, you’re only entitled to a quarter of the total pot. That’s where the term ‘quartered’ comes from.

Example of How Quartering Works

Three players are contesting a pot worth ₹8,000.

• Player A wins the high hand.
• Player B and Player C both have the same best low.

Here's how the pot is split:

₹4,000 (high half) to player A

₹4,000 (low half) is split equally between B and C = ₹2,000 each

Player C contributed ₹5,000 to this pot. Despite having the best low hand, they walk away with just ₹2,000. They have lost ₹3,000 in a hand they technically ‘won’. That’s what being quartered looks like in real-time.

Why Getting Quartered is So Painful

At first glance, winning even a portion of the pot doesn’t sound like a bad deal. But poker is a game of edges, and getting quartered is a hidden leak in many players’ games. Here’s why:

1. You Lose Money Even When You ‘Win’

Quartering gives you a payout that’s too small to cover your investment in the pot. Over time, repeated quartering scenarios can quietly drain your stack.

2. It’s Mentally Frustrating

There’s nothing worse than getting to showdown with the nut low and hearing the dealer say, ‘Split low’. Your emotional high takes a hit when you realise you’re only getting one-fourth of the total pot.

3. It Can Be Exploited

Experienced players can spot when two are going for the same low. If they hold a strong high hand, they’ll bet hard, knowing they can scoop half while the other two get quartered.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Getting Quartered

Here are some of the most typical ways players get quartered in Omaha Hi-Lo:

Tying for the Nut Low

A classic situation. You and another player both have A-2 for the nut low. The board allows a qualifying low, and you both split the low half of the pot. But someone else with a full house takes the high, leaving you with just one-quarter.

Chasing Low-Only Hands

Hands like A-2-x-x with no high potential can be dangerous. If multiple players are chasing the same low, and you have no shot at the high, you risk getting quartered or even ‘eighth-ed’ in bigger pots.

Not Recognising Shared Boards

On a board like 3♠ 4♦ 5♥ 8♣ K♠, there’s a good chance multiple players are drawing to or have already made a low. If you don’t have high equity, tread carefully.

How to Avoid Getting Quartered

Poker is about maximising value and minimising loss. Here are some strategies to help you avoid the quartered trap:

1. Play Scoop-Capable Hands

Hands like A-2 suited with high cards give you a shot at both ends of the pot. The best Omaha Hi-Lo hands have two-way potential.

2. Beware of Crowded Low Boards

When the board has several low cards (like 3-4-5), be cautious. Others likely share your nut low draw.

3. Track Your Equity, Not Just Hand Strength

Having the nut low doesn’t mean much if someone else shares it. Always calculate how much of the pot you realistically expect to win.

4. Don’t Get Attached to A-2

It’s a strong starting hand, but without backup, it can lead to quartering or worse. Make sure your hand can improve elsewhere, or be prepared to fold in tough spots.

How Strong Players Use Quartering to Their Advantage

In multi-way pots, some sharp players expect others to share the nut low. If they hold a strong high (say, a full house), they will push the action, knowing that their opponents will only win a quarter of the pot, even if they ‘get there’.

This tactic not only helps them build larger pots but also extracts more value from players who don’t realise they’re heading for a disappointing quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘quartered’ mean in poker?

In split-pot games like Omaha Hi-Lo, ‘quartered’ means you win one quarter (¼) of the total pot. This happens when you tie with another player for the low hand, and a third player wins the high hand. Half of the pot meant for the low is split again, so you only receive 25% of the pot. Being quartered often results in a net loss, especially if you contributed heavily to the pot and had no chance at winning the high.

Can you lose money even if you’re not quartered?

Yes. Even if you win half the pot (not just a quarter), you can still lose money if the pot is small relative to your investment or if you paid multiple bets chasing the low or high. However, being quartered amplifies this risk because you only get ¼ of the total pot while someone else scoops the other ¾. It’s one of the most misleading situations in split-pot poker games where a ‘win’ can still hurt your stack.

How to avoid getting quartered in Omaha Hi-Lo?

Play two-way hands that have the potential to win both high and low (e.g., A-2 suited with high cards). Avoid chasing low-only hands unless the pot odds are very favourable. Be extra cautious when the board is low-heavy and multiple players are in. If you suspect someone else has the same nut low and you're not drawing to the high, don’t overcommit chips. Quartering is often avoidable with smart reads and discipline.

Conclusion

Being quartered in poker is one of those situations where your hand might be ‘good’, but your payout doesn’t reflect it. It teaches a valuable lesson: poker isn’t just about having strong hands. It’s about understanding how much those hands are worth in context.