Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha hi-low starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where some entrants can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same concept in just about every poker game.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.
While it seems complicated at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha Hi-Lo provides an overwhelming array of wagering possibilities and owing to the fact that you have several players trying for the high, along with many shooting for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.