Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in almost all poker games.
A lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
While it seems complicated at the start, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming array of wagering choices and seeing that you have several individuals shooting for the high, as well as a few trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha Hi-Lo.
