Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting happens at which point the river card is flipped. The players 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 often get confused. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the whole pot.
It may seem complicated at first, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game simply enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha Hi-Lo provides an exciting range of wagering possibilities and owing to the fact that you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, and a few trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha High-Low.
