Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi lo starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. One more round of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few entrants often get flustered. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical notion in almost every poker game.
A lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand wins the whole pot.
Although it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing collection of wagering options and because you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as many shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.