Omaha Hi-Low: Basic Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering happens at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players get baffled. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in just about all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult initially, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming array of betting possibilities and because you have many individuals battling for the high, as well as many battling for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.