Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has grown in popularity so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few players can get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical notion in nearly every poker game.
The lower hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem complex at the outset, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi/low provides an exciting assortment of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have many individuals trying for the high, and many battling for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.