Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two 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 is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical notion in almost all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since 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 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems complex at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi lo provides an exciting collection of betting possibilities and owing to the fact that you have several players trying for the high, along with a few trying for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.
