Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering ensues where players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players often get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical notion in almost all poker games.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated at first, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha Hi-Lo provides an overwhelming assortment of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have many players shooting for the high hand, and several trying for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.