Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players can get confused. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not 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 lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at the start, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play simply enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing range of betting possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high, along with several battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha hi-low.
