Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is flipped. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
It may seem complicated at first, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the base subtleties of play with ease. Since you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi/lo provides an amazing range of betting choices and because you have many individuals shooting for the high, and several trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha Hi-Lo.