Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A round of wagering ensues in which players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues 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 many players often get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from 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 can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
It may seem complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting collection of wagering choices and seeing that you have many players shooting for the high hand, along with several battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
