Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi low begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. 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 dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use precisely three cards from 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 "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems complex initially, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting assortment of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have several players shooting for the high hand, and many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
