Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need 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 can get baffled. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in just about all poker games.
A low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem complex initially, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of betting options and owing to the fact that you have many players battling for the high hand, and several shooting for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
