Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize precisely three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at first, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the base nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have several players shooting for the high, as well as many trying for the low. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.