Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players often get confused. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same approach in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.
It may seem difficult initially, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 provides an amazing assortment of betting choices and because you have several players battling for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.