Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It’s a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players can get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems complicated initially, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming collection of wagering options and because you have many individuals trying for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.