Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further round of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants can get confused. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest 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 low 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 higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at the start, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming assortment of betting possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high, along with several 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.
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