Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation 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 popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting follows where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants get baffled. Contrasted to Hold’em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same concept in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at the start, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Since you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting assortment of betting possibilities and because you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, along with many battling for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.