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Omaha Hi-Lo: Basic Outline

Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A round of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will need to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where many entrants get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to utilize precisely three cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in just about every poker game.

A lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since 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 eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems difficult initially, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming range of betting possibilities and because you have several individuals battling for the high, and many battling for the low. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha/8.

Posted in Poker.


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