Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering follows in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must utilize precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical approach in nearly every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems difficult at the start, following a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an amazing assortment of wagering options and because you have many players shooting for the high hand, and a few trying for the low. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.