Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently 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 obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to utilize precisely three cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. 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 "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in just about every poker game.
A low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could 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 smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated initially, after a few rounds you will be able to get the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting 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 array of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as many battling for the low hand. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha High-Low.
