Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. 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 irrelevant variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex at first, after a few hands you will be agile enough to get the base subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an exciting array of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, along with several shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha hi-low.