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Omaha Hi-Low: Basic Overview
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same concept in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an amazing array of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals battling for the high, and many shooting for the low. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.