Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi low begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting ensues. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must use precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in just about every poker game.
A low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.
It may seem complicated at first, following a few hands you will be agile enough to get the fundamental subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming assortment of betting options and owing to the fact that you have many players trying for the high, and a few trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.