Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is flipped. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few entrants get baffled. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the identical notion in nearly every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of the game with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming collection of wagering options and because you have numerous players shooting for the high hand, along with several battling for the low. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.