Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi-low starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers 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 a number of entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use precisely three cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight 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 difficult at first, after a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting range of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, and a few battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha/8.
