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 regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins 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 drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some players often get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize precisely three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in almost 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. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems difficult at first, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting array of wagering possibilities and because you have many individuals battling for the high hand, as well as many shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha hi/lo.