Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering happens 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 the point where some entrants 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 exactly three cards from the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same approach in almost all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem complicated at the start, after a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha hi/lo provides an exciting array of betting options and owing to the fact that you have many players battling for the high hand, and a few trying for the low. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha hi/low.
