Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi-low starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants can get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use precisely 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems complicated initially, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the base subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming range of wagering choices and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
