Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but favored poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants get flustered. Contrasted to Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult at first, after a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming assortment of betting possibilities and because you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as a few battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.
