Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further round of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. 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 "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same approach in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult at first, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of betting choices and because you have several players battling for the high hand, and a few shooting for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
