Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha hi/low begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting follows where gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same approach in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming array of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have numerous players shooting for the high, as well as many trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
