Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another round of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants can get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize precisely three cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike regular 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 every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but really free’s 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 made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. 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 higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems difficult at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing assortment of betting options and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi-low.