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’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha hi/lo begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in nearly all poker games.
A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at first, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play easily enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting range of betting choices and seeing that you have many individuals trying for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.