Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but favored poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A round of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in almost all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand wins the whole pot.
It may seem complicated at first, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting range of wagering possibilities and because you have several players trying for the high, and a few shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha/8.