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, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same approach in almost all poker games.
A lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems difficult at the outset, after a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the base nuances of the game with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha Hi-Lo offers an overwhelming collection of betting possibilities and because you have numerous individuals battling for the high hand, and a few trying for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha hi lo.
