Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha hi/low begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more round of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players get flustered. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no 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 exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated at first, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of the game easily enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha hi-low offers an amazing range of betting options and owing to the fact that you have numerous players trying for the high hand, as well as several trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha/8.
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