Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of betting follows in which players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some players often get baffled. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, 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 lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems complicated at the outset, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming assortment of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, along with several trying for the low. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha hi lo.
