Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting happens 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 where a number of players get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same concept in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha hi lo provides an amazing collection of betting options and seeing that you have several players trying for the high, along with several trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.