Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure game, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants often get baffled. Contrasted to Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same approach in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem complex initially, after a few hands you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play easily enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi/lo provides an overwhelming collection of betting possibilities and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.