Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but favored poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha Hi-Lo begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players get confused. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to utilize precisely three cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical approach in almost every poker game.
A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems difficult at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the basic nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha hi lo provides an amazing assortment of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have several individuals battling for the high, along with many battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
