Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants can get confused. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems difficult initially, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of betting possibilities and because you have numerous players shooting for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.