Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more round of betting happens. After all the players have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of entrants get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can 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, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complicated at first, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha hi-low offers an amazing range of betting choices and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, and several battling for the low hand. If you love a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha hi low.