Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of betting ensues. After all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants can get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same concept in nearly all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems difficult initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha High-Low offers an overwhelming collection of betting choices and because you have numerous players trying for the high, as well as several battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi lo.