Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants often get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which 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, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same concept in almost every poker game.
The lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five 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 whole pot.
Although it seems complicated at the outset, following a few hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the base nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing range of wagering options and because you have many individuals trying for the high, and many battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
