Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players often get flustered. Contrasted to Hold’em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems difficult initially, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of the game with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting range of wagering possibilities and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, and a few trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.
