Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of entrants can get baffled. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in just about all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complex at first, following a few hands you will be able to get the base 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 being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an exciting assortment of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, and many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
