Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi/lo starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many players get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical concept in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems complex at the start, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha High-Low offers an overwhelming array of betting options and because you have numerous players battling for the high, along with many trying for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.