Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A round of betting follows where players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further 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 many players get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in nearly every poker game.
The lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated at the outset, after a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of wagering possibilities and because you have many players shooting for the high hand, as well as many trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.
