Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but favored poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has grown in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi low begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in just about all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst being made up of 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 takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem difficult at the outset, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of the game with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an amazing collection of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have many players trying for the high, and many trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.