Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. One more round of wagering ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but really free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, 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 smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex at first, following a few hands you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi lo offers an exciting collection of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have several players battling for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi/lo.