Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi/low begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many players can get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.
While it seems complicated initially, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the fundamental subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting range of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high, along with several trying for the low. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.