Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A round of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to make the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players often get baffled. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the base subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and because you have many individuals shooting for the high, as well as many battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
