Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi-low begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more round of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When determining 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 made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem difficult at first, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an amazing collection of wagering possibilities and because you have numerous players trying for the high, as well as many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.