Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has increased in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of entrants get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same concept in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that 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 lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play with ease. 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 provides an exciting collection of wagering possibilities and because you have many players battling for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha hi-low.