Omaha Hi/Lo: Fundamental Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in almost all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower 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 lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems difficult initially, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an amazing range of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high hand, along with a few shooting for the low. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha Hi-Lo.