Omaha Hi Low: General Summary
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. After all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering ensues and then 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 where some entrants can get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same approach in nearly every poker game.
The lower hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem complicated at first, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming range of wagering options and because you have numerous players battling for the high, along with several shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
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