Omaha Hi Lo: Basic Summary
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same concept in nearly all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult at the outset, after a few rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha hi/low provides an overwhelming assortment of betting choices and seeing that you have many individuals shooting for the high hand, and several battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha High-Low.
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