Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting happens at which point the river card is revealed. The players will have to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in nearly every poker game.
A lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an amazing collection of wagering choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, and a few battling for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.