Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi/low begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A round of betting follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players often get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complex initially, following a few hands you will be agile enough to get the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Since you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi lo provides an overwhelming collection of wagering options and because you have several players battling for the high, as well as several trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.