Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. One more round of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where some players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of play easily enough. Since you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha hi/lo offers an amazing array of wagering choices and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, along with several battling for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.
