Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some players can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same approach in nearly all poker games.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because 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 eight and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems difficult at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming assortment of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have several individuals trying for the high hand, along with several battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha hi low.
