Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi lo begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many players get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same approach in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complicated initially, after a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of the game simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming array of betting possibilities and owing to the fact that you have numerous players battling for the high, and several trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.