Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting follows where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where some players get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. 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 notion in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could 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 lowest 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 high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at the start, after a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of the game with ease. Since you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming array of betting choices and seeing that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as several trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
