Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants often get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical notion in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems difficult at first, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming range of betting options and because you have numerous players trying for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha/8.