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’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting follows where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have 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 baffled. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in almost every poker game.
The lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 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 presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems complicated at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming collection of betting choices and seeing that you have several players battling for the high, along with several battling for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha High-Low.