Omaha Hi/Lo: General Summary
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi low begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of wagering ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants often get baffled. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same approach in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems complicated initially, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game easily enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an exciting collection of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have numerous players trying for the high, along with several battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.
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