Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further round of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
Although it seems difficult initially, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high, along with many shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha High-Low.