Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex 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 obscure game, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi/low starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. One more round of betting happens. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few players can get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but really 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 might be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems difficult at the start, following a few hands you will be able to get the base nuances of play easily enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming range of wagering choices and because you have numerous players battling for the high hand, along with several battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.