Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few entrants often get confused. Contrasted to Hold’em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same approach in nearly every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest value 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 takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
It may seem difficult at first, after a few hands you will be able to get the base nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting collection of betting choices and because you have numerous players trying for the high hand, as well as many shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.