Omaha Hi/Lo: Basic Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi lo begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players can get confused. Contrasted to Hold’em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same approach in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems difficult at the start, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play simply enough. Since you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an exciting assortment of wagering possibilities and because you have many individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few shooting for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha hi-low.