Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha hi-low starts like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players can get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems complex at the start, following a few hands you will be able to get the base subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming array of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous players trying for the high, along with many shooting for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
