Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but favored poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some players often get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 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 strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same approach in just about all poker games.
A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being made up of 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the base subtleties of play with ease. 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 Hi-Lo offers an overwhelming array of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as many trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi low.