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 play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha Hi-Lo starts just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants will need 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 baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in almost all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can 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 value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult at the outset, after a couple of hands you will be able to get the basic nuances of play with ease. Since 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 or better provides an overwhelming range of betting choices and owing to the fact that you have many players battling for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low. If you prefer a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha/8.