Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi lo begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants often get flustered. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same approach in almost all poker games.
A low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at first, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the basic nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as many shooting for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.