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’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. One more round of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players often get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in just about all poker games.
A lower hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at the outset, after a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming collection of betting choices and because you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, along with several trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.