Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once irrelevant variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting happens and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few entrants often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems complicated at the start, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of the game simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing collection of betting possibilities and because you have several individuals shooting for the high, and several shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.