Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal 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 strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t 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 wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems complicated at first, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of the game with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting collection of betting options and owing to the fact that you have several individuals trying for the high, along with many trying for the low hand. If you like a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.