Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players often get baffled. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems complicated initially, after a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting collection of betting choices and owing to the fact that you have several individuals trying for the high, as well as several shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.