Omaha Hi Low: General Overview
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A round of wagering follows where gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same concept in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem complicated at first, after a couple of hands you will be able to get the basic nuances of play simply enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting collection of betting possibilities and because you have numerous players trying for the high, as well as a few trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.