Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in nearly all poker games.
A lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because 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 eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting array of wagering possibilities and because you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, and several battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi low.
