Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but favored poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the identical approach in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complex, but really free’s 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 made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
It may seem complex at the start, after a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting collection of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have many players trying for the high hand, and a few battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi low.
