Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but favored poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. One more round of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further round of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players get flustered. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.
It may seem complex at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting collection of wagering choices and because you have several individuals battling for the high, along with many trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha/8.