Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could 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 worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex at first, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the base nuances of play simply enough. Since you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming assortment of betting options and because you have many individuals battling for the high, as well as many trying for the low hand. If you love a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
