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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. One more round of betting happens. After all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants often get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at the outset, after a couple of hands you will be agile enough to get the fundamental subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and seeing that you have many players trying for the high, along with many battling for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
July 7th, 2017
Jesus