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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It’s a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A round of wagering follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting happens at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will need to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants can get confused. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize precisely three cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same approach in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t 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 low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem difficult initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting assortment of betting options and because you have many individuals battling for the high, as well as a few battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/low.
