Omaha Hi/Lo: Basic Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex 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 primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in almost all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower 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.
It may seem complicated at the outset, after a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of the game easily enough. Since you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting array of wagering choices and seeing that you have several players shooting for the high hand, as well as a few shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.
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