Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players can get flustered. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complex at the outset, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the base subtleties of play with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting range of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, and many battling for the low hand. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.