Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha hi-low starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of betting happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. a further round of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants can get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same approach in nearly every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems difficult at first, after a couple of hands you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting collection of betting choices and because you have many players trying for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low. If you like a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/lo.