Omaha Hi Low: Basic Summary
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 variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players get flustered. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to utilize precisely three cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in just about all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not 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 low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of the game simply enough. Since you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha High-Low provides an overwhelming collection of betting options and because you have numerous players trying for the high, and several trying for the low. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.