Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem complicated at the start, following a few hands you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting range of betting options and seeing that you have several players trying for the high, along with a few trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha/8.
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