Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants get baffled. Contrasted to Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at the outset, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha hi low offers an amazing collection of wagering choices and seeing that you have several players shooting for the high, and many trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha High-Low.
