Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi low begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where some players can get confused. Contrasted to Hold’em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same approach in nearly every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the worst 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 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing assortment of betting choices and because you have numerous players shooting for the high, along with 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.