Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 starts like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where some entrants can get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at the start, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming collection of wagering options and because you have several individuals battling for the high, as well as several trying for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
