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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting follows where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a few entrants often get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in almost every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult at the start, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming range of betting possibilities and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals battling for the high hand, and many trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha/8.
