Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi low starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A round of betting follows where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of wagering follows at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players can get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in nearly every poker game.
The lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since 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 does the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem complex initially, after a few rounds you will be able to get the basic nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi/lo offers an exciting assortment of wagering choices and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high, as well as a few battling for the low. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.