Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a few entrants often get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to utilize precisely three cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could 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, etc. It’s the same notion in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more complex, 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 can be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
It may seem difficult at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play simply enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an exciting collection of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have several players shooting for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha hi-low.