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 is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi low starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants can get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same notion in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem complex at the start, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting array of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, along with many battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha High-Low.