Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting happens and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical approach in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complicated at first, after a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming assortment of wagering options and because you have several individuals battling for the high, along with many shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.