Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi/lo starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many players often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. 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 almost every poker game.
The lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the base nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an amazing array of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as several trying for the low hand. If you like a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.